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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^v 'IH 





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From a Photograph by C. F. Cook, Wilkesbatre, Pa. 



u 



WYOMING 



A RECORD OF THK 



OiNE HUNDREDTH YEAR 



COMMEMORATIVE OBSERVANCE 



— OF THE — 



BATTLE AND MASSACRE, 

July 3. 1778. Jli.v 3, 187.S. 

"An Pfotfcs/ /ale specfh best itftot phtinly /old." 

EDITED BY W E S 1 . E \' J ( ) H N S O N , 1-. S (.) . 
Secretary of the Association. 



WII.KtSBARKE I'A 

Bkakdsi.kk & Co., Bkimkks, 
1882. 



COMMITTK]-: OX ('( 'lU.K'ATlON'. 



Wksi.kv J()H\s()\. SiKriiKx Ii:\ki\.> 

Edmund L. I)a\a, IIarrv IIakks, 

DANIKI. S. ni-NNFT. 



VRV. 1 A("l' 



This volume is [)Lit l(»rtli under the patrona<^e of the 
•'Wyoming; Memorial Association," in order that the fafts 
ami inciclents connefled with the one hundredth anni- 
versary commemoritive observance of the "Battle and 
Massacre of Wyomint^/' may he preserved for the bene- 
fit of the lutur:? ^generations which ma\- inhabit this 
historic \alle\'. 

In arranfTjng the details, the com[)iler, aftint^ for the 
committee, has steadily ke[)t in view the fact, that what 
is common place now. will be curious and interestiuir in 
the future. I^\'ery thin;^ therefore, promisin_q; to be of in- 
teiest to the future reader has been carefully and truth- 
full}- noted so that in the event of one of these volumes 
comini;- down to the men of the Bi-centennial of the 
e\ent to which it relates, they will be enabled to read 
in authentic form, of what was done 1)\- their <j[^reat-i(rand- 
fathers in i<Sj8. 

\V. J. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY, 9. 

Early settlements page 10; Confii6l of jurisdiction 12 ; 
British invasion 16 ; Gathering at Forty Fort 17 ; 
The Battle and Massacre 20*; Death roll 22 ; The 
surrender 23 ; Field of slaughter 25. 

lOOth YEAR COMMEMORATION, 2/. 

First informal meeting 28 ; Committee of Sev^enteen 
29 ; Association organized 36 ; Standing committees 
39; "One hundredth anniversary Battle of Wyom- 
ing" 41 ; "and massacre" 44; Commemorative me- 
dal decided upon 45 ; Indians offer to attend 48 ; 
Meeting at Forty Fort New Years day 49 ; Esti- 
mates of committees 53 ; The Dana flag 54 ; Re- 
ports of committees 58 ; Brave words by Colonel 
Charles Dorrance 64 ; What Woodward said 66 ; 
Official circular 69 ; Indian relics 74 ; Pettebone of- 
fers field at Monument ^6 ; Judge Dana on poets 
yy ; Wilkesbarre display fixed j8 ; Woodward and 
the boys 78 ; From Fair ground to Monument 79 ; 
Free bridge 80 ; Historical parade 83 ; Memorial 
medals 84 ; Valley Forge sends invitation 85 ; Press 
items 86 ; President Hayes coming 88 ; The Regatta 
89 ; Map of the Valley as it was 90 ; Prest. Hayes 
Letter 91 ; Scranton battallion as escort 93 ; Clip- 
pings from Scranton Times 93- 103, 



TABt.F OF CONTENTS. 5 

SKR VICES AT THE THE MONUMENT, IO5. 

Escort committee 105 ; Arrival at Wyoming of 
Presidential party 106; Address of welcome 107; 
Fifty thousand visitors 108 ; Cane presentation and 
short speech from the President no ; Col. Wright's 
address 1 12 ; Poem by Mrs. Watres 1 18 ; Chapman's 
address 119; "A tribute of Massachusetts" 122 ; 
judge Dana's address 123 ; Miss Dickinson's poem 
1 27 ; Dr. Coppee's poem 1 28 ; Historical address i 39 ; 
Ode by Mrs. Richart 196 ; Abbott's oration 199 ; 
Wyoming Massacre, Jesse Harding 214; Ode by 
Steuben Jenkins 220 ; Benedi6lion, E. H. Snowden 
221 ; An interesting after piece 222 ; Some of the 
guests 225 ; Decorations and mottoes 228. 

CELEBRATION AT \VILRESI5AKRE, 23 I. 

Night and m.orning 231-232 ; The procession starts 
232 ; Description of the seven Divisions 232-237 ; 
Reviewed by the President 237 ; Ode bj' C. K. Wright 
239; Free dinner 240; Father O'Harran opens af- 
ternoon services 241 ; President Hayes, Senator 
Buckalew, Secretary Sherman and Attorney General 
Devens have something to say 245 ; Sylvester Dana's 
address 247 ; Evening display 251 ; What the news- 
papers said 251 ; List of aids 251 ; The Regatta 
prizes 255 ; Veteran corps 257 ; Permanent organi- 
zation 258; Reflexions 258 ; Where the money came 
from 260 ; How it was expended 295 ; Number of 
visitors estimated 262 ; Flags donated 264 ; To meet 
annually at the Monument 264 ; Flag presentation 
Scranton Battalion. 266 ; Valley Forge makes a vis- 
it 267. 

CORRESPONDENCE, 27O. 

Letters from the President of the U. S., Governors 
of States, and other distinguished citizens 270-285. 



6 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

REUNION OF 1879, 286. 

Mr. Barker's speech 287 ; Judge Dana's address 289 ; 
Plan of permanent organization 293 ; Speeches by 
Gov. Hoyt, Ex-Gov^ Hartranft and others 295 ; Res- 
ponse on "The Press." Wesle\' Johnson, 296. 

kei;nion 1880, 300. 

Rev. Andrew Brydie. Dr. Hakes, H. E. Ha\den and 
others make short addresses 301 ; Poem by Miss 
S. E. Dickinson 304 ; Letter from Gov. Hoyt 305 ; 
Reflections thereon 306 ; Addresses by C. I. A. 
Chapman, H. H. Welles and others 307. 

REUNION 1 88 1, 309. 

Committee on publication of book 310; Rev. H. L. 
Jones' luilogy 311 ; Ode by Mrs. Watres 314; C. I. 
A. Chapman, David Craft, H. E. Hayden and others 
make short addresses 316-323. 

ITIE MONUMENT. 324. 

P^irstmeeting to raise funds 324 ; Opening the graves 
in 1832 — Rev. James May's address 325 ; Rev. N. 
Murray's address 327 ; La}Mng the corner stone — 
Chester Butler's address 329 ; Conne6licut appealed 
to 331 ; Payne Pettebone's recollection of its build- 
ing 332 ; Description and inscription 339; Names on 
Monument 340-343 ; What James Green said of the 
battle 342 

ADDENDUM. 

The Pioneer Preacher i ; Errors corrected, viii. 

AEl'HABETir.M. INDEX, ix. 



THK ASSOCIATION. 



By an order of the Court of Common Picas of Luzerne 
County, the 3 1st clay of December, 1881, this Association 
is made a body corporate, under the name and style of 
"The WvoMiNt; Commemorative Association." 

The application for such charter, and proofs relatixc 
thereto, were entered of record in the Recorder's Office 
of Luzerne County on the 6th day of Februar_\- i8<S2. in 
Incorporation Docket, page 467. &c. 

names oe ixcori'ora'iors. 

Charles Dorranc e, L. D. Shoemaker, 

Edmund L. Dana. Harr\" Hakes, 

Steuben Jenkins, R. J. Wisner, 

Garrick M. Hardtno. Payne I'ErrEHoxE. 

Wesley Johnson, D. S. Bennet, 

Akel Barker. Stanley Wood\vard, 
Calvin Parsons. 

oeeicers. 
Charles Dorrance, President. 
E. L. Dana, L. D. Shoemaker. Calvin Parsons, 
H. HOLLISTER and Steuben Jenkins, Vice Presidents. 
Harry Hakes, Treasurer. 
Wesley Johnson, Recording Secretary. 
Abel Barker, Corresponding Secretary. 
D. S. Bennet, Librarian. 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 



The Monument, 

Charles Dorrance, vS 

Wesley Johnson. 51 

Peter M. Osterhout, yj 

Memorial Medals, , <S4 

Payne Pettebone, 107 

Edmund L. Dana 123 

Steuben Jenkins, 1 39 

Harry Hakes 224 

Garrick I\I. Hardincj. 270 

Henry M. Hoyt, 305 

Daniel S. Bennet. ■ 310 



AA/YOMING. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



.^.A^v 




AR inland from New En.q;land's bleak 
coasts, and seemingly hid away among 
a wide range of rugged mountain spurs 
through which the crooked Susquehan- 
na pursues its resistless course to the 
Sea, was found by liardy explorers in the 
early part of the i8th century, a vallev' 
of surprising loveliness and fertility. This was the now 
far famed Valley of Wyoming. But the region of country 
known as W\'oming, to the original colonists from Con- 
nefticut. who first came hither, cov^ered a much larger 
territory than that embraced within the bounds of the 
beautiful and classic Valley that now bears the name ; 
and it may be said to have referred in an indefinite sort 
of a wa\' to nearly all the surrounding country lying 
within the boundaries of Luzerne, Wyoming, Lackawan- 
na and Bradford counties, but the valley proper, was the 
centre and attractive point — thc^ heart — the extremities 
being but dimly outlined. 

Small and insignificant as was the original Wyoming 
in its mountain fastness, it has yet had the honor, in con- 
sequence of the story ot the stirring events enafted on 



10 INTRODUCTORY. 

its soil, of i^iving a name to an important Territory, in 
tlie far-west, soon to become one of the great States of 
our Union ; as also to counties and towns in almost ev- 
ery one of the several States. 

rHE BEAUTIFUL LAND. 

That Wyoming Valley in its pristine condition Avas a 
"land of beauty", as has-been said by one of England's 
great poets, there yet remains enough in its charming 
landscapes, still unmarred by progress, as well as by its 
rugged surroundings, clearly to attest. That it is a 
"land of blood", the pages of history tell us that its fair 
fields are blotched all over with the life current of its 
early settlers, slain by savages, or in internecine strife. 

Its natural beauty is the admiration of all persons of 
aesthetic tastes, who, for the first time behold its en- 
chanting loveliness. It was this feeling that impelled a 
distinguished stranger, a visitor in June 1877, when he 
for the frst time gazed upon the Valley clothed in all 
the wealth of its early summer beauty, as he stood upon 
a "culm dump" on an elevated position near the spot 
where the hrst settlers here built their rude huts, and 
mournfully observing how the many other colleries in 
sight were piling up their miniature mountains of black 
and unsightly refuse from the mines, to exclaim in agony 
of spirit, "My God ! It is unpardonable desecration for 
man to mar so lovely a prospecl as this." 

What we now call "Wyoming" was originally written 
as "Wywaumick", which word is said to be a corruption 
of the Indian compound, Maughwau -vvauma ; Maughwah 
or Muckwah being a name common among many of the 
Indian Tribes of Algonquin Stock for a beai'' ; wauwauma 
signifying a plain or flat country. Therefore Wvoming, as 
we pronounce it, a word of exceeding beauty and sweet- 
ness of e.xpression, to the aborigines of the country meant 
nothing more than Bear Valley, or a place abounding in 
bears, as it probably was ; just as Mauch-wa-Chunk was 
the Big Bear hill or mountain ; perhaps some unusual in- 



INTRODUCTORY. II 

cident connected with the killing of a bearhavdng occur- 
red there. The name Tamaqua, may also be traced to 
the same source. 

THE WHITE MAN ENTERS. 

The first European of whom we have any authentic 
information, to enter the Valley, was the Count Zinzen- 
dorf of Saxony, a zealous Moravian Missionary, who came 
here in 1742, on a prospecting tour among the Indian 
Tribes, remaing but a short time in the Valley. It is said 
however, that during the previous year a Missionary from 
New England, one Thomas SaYgeant, came over fom the 
Delaware and preached a sermon to the Indians on the 
banks of the Susquehanna, but the precise place is not 
known, and it may have been anywhere from Sunbury 
on the South to Tioga Point on the North. 

The Wyoming of bloody record was mainly settled by 
emigrants from Connefticut, and the region known as 
such constituted a count}- under home jurisdiction to 
which the name West-more-land was given, as describing 
its relation to the mother Colony ;as Conne6licut un- 
der its Charter from King Charles, extended from Nara- 
gansett Bay on the East, to the Pacific Ocean on the 
West, this W}'oming region being embraced within its 
boundaries, was then considered as being an integral part 
of its territory. The first attempt of the Conne6licut 
people to establish a permanent settlement here, was 
made in 1762 by the holders of what was called shares, 
in the Susquehanna Land Company's purchase from the 
Six Tribes or Nations ofjihe Iroquois. The first attempt 
at colonization ended disastrously to the hardy pioneers, 
as during the following year, after twenty of their num- 
ber had been murdered by the savages, ' the remainder 
were forced to abandon their rude huts at the mouth of 
Mill Creek and return to their friends in the East; baffled 
but not defeated ; cast down, but not wholly discouraged 
in the further prosecution of tlieir colonization scheme. 



12 IN'TRODUCTORV. 

I'ENXSVLAAXIA ASSERTS HER CLAnf. 
In the year 1768 the Proprietary Government of Penn- 
.s\-l\'ania obtained a Deed of purchase from the Indians 
at Fort Stanwix of a large extent of territory situate on 
the u|)per waters oi the Susquehanna, including the lands 
previously bought by the Susquehanjia Land Compan\', 
and claimed as being within the jurisdiftion of Connect- 
icut. Late in the year, a squad of men, under Penns)'l- 
vania authority, was sent here to occupy and hold the 
rich lands of the Valley. This expedition was of a semi- 
military character, and was accompanied by John Jen- 
nings, the High Sheriff of Northampton County, to aft as 
peace otficer, should other parties be found claiming the 
lands. This force arrived in the Valley early in January 
1769, and established itself in the abandoned huts that 
had been left by the fugitive Yankee Colony of 1763, 
and immediately commenced surve\'ing and parceling off 
the lands by establishing two Manors, Stoke and Sunbu- 
r\';the one on the P>ast and the other on the West side 
of the river. 

SECOND CONNECTICUT COLONY, 
hi February of the same year another advance detach- 
ment oi forty emigrants from Connecticut, representing 
tlie Susquehanna Land Company' arrixed in the Valley, 
and iinding their expe6led shelters in possession of the 
Pennsylvania party, they at cjnce invested the strong 
hold of Major Ogden, commander of the little army of 
occupation, and the long and bloody strife that after- 
wards raged between the Yankee and Pennsylvania 
claimants to the Valley was inaugurated. The Yankees 
in this campaign were finally expelled b\- the Pennsylva- 
nians, fortimately without loss of life to cither party. 

The next year saw the strife renewed. There was no 
end of skirmishing. Battles were fought. Many lives 
were lost on both sides. The Pennsylvanians were in turn 
driven from the Valle\- in 1769, and Connecticut held ab- 
solute possession in WA'omin.g for several }-ears. 



IXTRODrCTORV. 13 

Upon the expulsion of the Penns\-lvanians hope and 
confidence began to prevail at Wyoming. Settlements 
on the west side of the riv^er were prosecuted. Old T^orty 
r^ort, so prominent in the subsequent history of the Val- 
ley, was constru6led, and the Colonists felt themselves 
secure in their possessions. 

But this happy condition for these far away frontier 
Colonists was again to be interrupted, and they found 
themselves called upon once more to take up arms in de- 
fence of their firesides and homes. 

Sometime in 1775 the Supreme Executive Council in 
Philadelphia, decided upon making another effort to drive 
out the Connefticut people, b\' sending a strong militar\- 
force under the command of Col. Plunkett ; this expedi- 
tion is known in history as "Plunkett's invasion." In 
December 1775, seven hundred Pennsylvania troops of 
this command, attempted to enter the Vallc}^ through 
Nanticoke Gap, where now is situate the Inlet Lock of 
the Susquehanna Canal. The Connecticut men had arm- 
ed themselves to oppose the invasion, and were securely 
posted behind a breastwork of rocks and logs hastily 
thrown up on the narrow fiat at this point. As the Penn- 
s}dvanians came within range of the ritles of the settlers, 
they poured an effeftive fire into the ranks of the inva- 
ders, who did not anticipate such determined aftion on 
the part of the Yankees, as they hrd been led to believe 
that the settlers would be over-awed by so formidable a 
force. In this conflift the Pennsylvanians were com- 
pletely routed, and retired in a demoralized condition, 
leaving several of their number dead on the field of their 
discomfiture. This was the last attempt by Pennsylva- 
nia authority to reduce the settlers of Wyoming by force. 
Eventually however, she obtained under a Decree of the 
High Court sitting at Trenton, to decide the question of 
Jurisdiction as between Conneclicut and herself, what she 
failed to win by force of arms over these determined New 
ICnelanders. Rut even this Decree, while deciding? ad- 



14 INTRODUCTORY. 

versely to Connefticut's right of Jurisdi6lion in Wyoming^ 
still the rights of soil acquired by the people under Con- 
nefticut law, were subsequently to a certain extent re- 
spe6led, and the settlers permitted to hold their lands 
upon payment of moderate fees and taking by Patents 
under tlie Pennsylvania authority. 

It is not within the scope of this history of a special 
event, to further trace the varying fortunes of these de- 
termined Colonists with foes, both savage and colonial, 
but at once proceed to detail a few fa6ls concerning the 
situation in the Spring of 1778, the year of their great 
calamit}' now under consideration, in order that the read- 
er not familiar with the local history of the Valley, may 
be the better enabled to appreciate the significance and 
propriety of the first lOOth year memorial demonstra- 
tion at Wyoming just closed, to perpetuate the fa6ls and 
incidents of which, this volume is designed to accomplish. 
THE GATHERING STORM. 

The American Colonies were in arms against the 
mother country. Wyoming had sent the best and bra- 
\-est of her sons to augment the army of Washington, as 
a portion of the Connecticut Contingent. Early in the 
Spring Congress was apprised of a meditated attack upon 
Wyoming, to proceed from Niagara, and the Indian coun- 
try adjacent thereto, and in the town of Westmoreland 
rumors were rife that the British and Indians were pre- 
paring an expedition for the destru6lion of the settlement. 
This attack to be made upon an isolated and defenceless 
settlement, seems hardly justifiable in civilized warfare, 
as no advantage could be gained to the cause of the King 
l)y destroying the lives and propcrt\' of this people, re- 
maining peaceably at home tilling'their farms, and far 
removed from the theatre of war. But in this connexion 
it may be stated that it is more than probable that the 
expedition may have been instigated and inspired by the 
loyalists or tories who had been driven from the coun- 
try, and wh(i ma}' have supposed that b)- the extermina- 



INTRODUCTORY. I 5 

tion of the hated Yankees, they could, not only be reveng- 
ed upon them for the wrongs they had suffered at the 
hands of the rebels, as they considered the Yankees to 
be, but that by expelling them they could again be put 
in possession of the fertile farms of which they had been 
so unjustly deprived. In support of this theory, Al- 
exander Patterson, of unsavory memory in Wyoming, in 
1804, writes of these refugee loyalists, "their address and 
moving complaints, induced Joseph Brandt, a well known 
Indian Chief, and a Col. Butler, Superintendant of Indian 
Affairs, to come with them to Wyoming, with a number 
of Indians, for the recovery of their property, goods and 
chattels." As early as in 1784, Benjamin Pauling, one of 
these tories, writing from Niagara, says : "that the Penn- 
sylvania claimants were the people that cut off the Con- 
nefticut settlers at Wyoming." 

It will be seen by the foregoing extract from Mr. Pat- 
terson's letter, that he asserts positively that Brandt ac- 
companied Col. John Butler. to Wyoming. On the other 
hand, Col. Guy Johnson, in an official letter to Lord 
George Germain, dated New York, September lOth 1778, 
only two months after the battle, says : "that he had sent 
one division under Col. Butler down the Susquehanna, 
which destroyed the Post and settlement at Wyoming, 
and that another division under Mr. Brandt, the Indian 
Chief, cut off two hundred and ninety four men near Scho- 
harrie, and destroyed the adjacent settlement." 

Pearly in May 1778 scouting parties of the enemy began 
to arrive from up country, but none ot the settlers were 
molested, nor outrages committed. The scouts seemed 
to avoid rather than seek a collision with the inhabitants, 
until one day, when being in the vicinity of Wyalusing, 
a party of these scouts saw a Wyoming man named 
Crooks standing at the door ofa house belonging to a Tor}- 
named Secord, who had been driven off by the Yankees, 
when one of the number aimed hisr piece at Crooks and 
deliberatelv shot him dead where he stood. This was the 



l6 INTRODUCTORY. 

first life taken in the campaign of I^/S.andit was thought 
that it was the tory refugee who did the shooting. 

The people of the country became at once alarmed, as a 
concentration of the enemy was known to be going on at 
New-Town, (Elmira) and at Tioga, and that he was pre- 
paring to descend the river by means of boats and canoes 
which were then in course of preparation. Every m.an in 
the settlement capable of bearing arm.s, was speedily en- 
rolled in the militia, and trained to resist the invasion. 
The women and children were gathered into the Forts. 
The militia were put in the best possible condition for 
immediate aftion. Of the rude old fashioned flint lock 
small arms there was possibly no lack, but of amunition, 
there was a lamentable deficiency. The only cannon in 
the Valley, and old cast-iron four-pounder, was in Wilkes- 
barre Fort, but having no balls, it could be used only as 
an alarm gun. It was evident that the attack was soon 
to be made, but the precise time could not be calculated. 
Hoping for the best, but fearing the result, the settlers 
waited in daily expeftation their advent all through the 
month of June. Such labor as was done at all, was per- 
formed by armed men, their firelocks standing conven- 
iently by, ready to be grasped at an}' moment. Such was 
the condition of affairs in the Valley at the end of June. 
THE ENEMY APPROACHES. 

The time at last arrived for decisive action. The ene- 
my numbering four hundred British Provincials, consist- 
ing of Col. John Butler's Rangers and a detachment of 
Sir John Johnson's Royal Greens ; "" these being mostl}' 
made up of loyalists or Tories from New York, New Jer- 
sey and Penns)-lvania, accompanied b}- about six hundred 

* NoiK. This Command is so designated by Cliarles Miner and other 
historians of Wyoming. But in Sir Johnson's Orderly Book, kept during his 
campaign against Fort Stanw ix in 1777, and captured with all his Camp equip- 
age by Col. Marinus Willett, in his memorable sortie from the Fort, Sir John 
Johnson's Regiment is never in a single instance called the "Royal Greens", 
but always the "King's Roval Regiment of New-York." 



ixTRonucTouv. 17 

Indians fror.i tlve (3neida, Seneca and other Tribes about 
Niagara, having descended the Susquehanna in boats land- 
ed a short distance below the mouth of Bowman's Creek, 
a large mountain stream that empties in on the west side 
of the river not far below Tunkhannock, and about twen- 
ty miles distant in a direft line from Wyoming. After 
securing their boats, Butler m irched hi> army across the 
upland by the short route, and arrive^l on the mountain 
adjoining the Valle\^ during t'ac night, or earh' on the 
morning of the last day of June On the same morning 
eight persons who had gathered at Fort Jenkins opposite 
Pittston, not being aware oft'.ie proximity of the enemy, 
took their arms as usual and proceeded up the river about 
three miles to their labor in the fields. During the after- 
noon they were set upon by a band of Indians of Butler's 
force, and four of them were most brutall)' murdered; 
three were carried into captivity; only one, John Harding, 
made his escape to tell the story of that cowardly attack, 
and give warning to the people in the Valle\'. This was 
the opening struggle of that bloody campaign. 
(lATMERIXC AT FORTY FORT. 

This sudden and fatal blow being reported in the Val- 
le)' by the survivor of the party, the people were appri- 
sed of their impending danger, and the marshaling of 
such force as could be relied upon for defence was hurried- 
ly begun — Forty Fort being designated as the ren- 
desvous for the main body of the citizen soldiery. Thei'c 
was no aftual military organization here, but b}- a sort of 
tacit consent. Col. Zebulon Butler of the Continental 
army, who happened to be at home on leave, assumed 
command of this determined bod\' of undiciplined farm- 
ers who were ready and willing to risk their lives in 
defence of their families and homes. 

On the 1st day of July, Col. John Butler entererl the 
Valley by marching his army down along the creek that 
enters back of the village of Wyoming, and took position 
at the Fort, or stockade of one Wintermute, who proved 



r s' f .VI f< o D uci'o R r. 

to be ill sympathy with the British. The camp of the in- 
vaders was about midway between the point where they 
entered the Valley and Fort Jenkins, further up the river. 
The same evening a detachment was sent up to capture 
the latter ; the little garrison fought bravely, and after 
three of the defenders had been slain, the remaining four 
surrendcred and were brought into camp in triumph as 
prisoners of war. 

On the morning of the 2.1, a Mr. Ingersoll, who had 
been captured at Fort Wintermute, together with one 
white man of Col. John Butter's command and one Indi- 
an, were sent under a flag of truce to Col. Zebulon Butler 
at Fortv Fort, demanding a surrender of the Fort with 
.the forces there assembled, or under his command, imply- 
ing a complete surrender of the Valley. To this de- 
mand Col. Butler declined to accede. 
THE DIE IS CAST. 

On the following morning, the fatal 3d, after the flag, 
had been dismissed^ Col. Butler called a council of his 
[principal officers, and opinions were freely expressed. 
Col. Butler, Col. Denison, Lieut. Col. Dorrance, anda few 
more advised non-a6lion. and said that it would be more 
prudent to await developements and reinforcements that 
were then known to be on the way. As opposed to this pol- 
icy of ina6livity, it was urged by Capt. Lazarus Stewart 
and tho.se in favor of aggressive action, that the enemy 
would ravage the Valley and murder the inhabitants in 
detail as he had already begun in the caseofthe Hardings 
and at Fort Jenkins. That the army could not be kept 
together, and that unless led to the attack, each man 
would hasten to the prot6lion of his own family, and all 
would be lost. To attack and defeat the enemy was the 
only hope of the people of these settlements. This des- 
perate resolve finally carried by a large majority, and the 
ininority, with reluctance and fearful forebodings yielded 
tht^ir assent, and shortly after noon, the column, consist- 
ing of near four hundred, man\' of whom were old men 



1NTR0DI7CT0R\ . If) 

an J. boys, unfit for military clut)', marched out of the Fort 
to a tack the enemy in the field. The little arm>' was 
niM.iized into six nominal companies, with man\^ inde- 
Mits or volunteers not attached to an\' company, who 
csolved to put their serx^ices where they could be 
v> : effeftive in the fight. 

i lie distance from the place where the enemy la>^ en- 
caii![)ed, was about four miles, the intervening country be- 
ing a level plain not thickly wooded. Every movement 
of the Americans was reported at head-qu;irters by But- 
ler's alert scouts, who could be seen stealthih- hurr_\-ing 
back and forth in hot haste among the bushes as our 
little band of patriots approached. 

THE IXVADER.S PREPARED FOR BATTLE. 

As it became evident to the British commander that 
the Americans intended to bring on a general engage- 
ment, he speedily formed his men in line of battle ; hi?; 
left on the edge of a steep bank near the river at Fort 
Wintermute, which for some reason had been fired ; the 
line extended across the more elevated ground; the right 
centre being occupied by Johnson's Ro}-al Greens; a body 
of Indian sharp shooters occupied the centre of the line; 
the main body of the Indians was placed on the extreme 
right, extending into an alder swamp, through which the 
Lackawanna and Bloomsburg railroad now passes. Col. 
John Butler was in command of the left wing in person. 
It has been asserted b)' some historians that the Indians 
were commanded by Thayendenega, a distinguished Mo- 
hawk Chief, known to the white people as Capt. Brandt. 
It is also denied on equall\- good authority that Brandt 
was with the Wyoming expedition at all. Certain it is 
that it was the universal opinion of the people of the Val- 
ley at that time, and long after the battle, that he was 
the moving spirit among the Indians. 

FACE TO FACE WEFH THV-LICE THEIR NtlMP.ER. 

Such was the enemy's order of battle, at 2 P. M. as the 
Americans approached his line. Col. Zebulon Butler had 



20 IXTKODL'CTORV. 

sent Captains Ransom and Durkcc forward to fix upon a 
{)lacc for formin;^- his line of attack. These experienced 
officers approached as near the enemy's hne as the\' 
deemed prudent, and upon the cominj^ up of the column, 
th^^ compinies were direrfceJ to deploy riy;ht and left, 
forming- in line of battle as they took the places assigned 
them ; the right resting on the steep bank fronting the 
enemy's left, and extending like his, across the gravelly 
flat about a c]uarter to half a mile to the morass or swamp 
bounding it in that dire6lion. The plain intervening be- 
tween the two armies, thus standing face to face in hos- 
tile atitude, was thinly covered with scruboak underbrush 
and yellow and pitch pine trees of stunted growth. Cap- 
tain l^idlack, occupied the extreme right ; Captain Hew- 
itt, the right centre ; on the extreme left was Captain 
Whittlesy with the Plymouth Company. Capt. Stewart 
occupied the left centre, while Captains Geer and Buck 
of Wilkesbarre and Kingston held the centre of the line. 
Col. Butler, supported by Maj. John Garrett, command- 
ed the right wing ; Col. Nathan Denison, supported by 
Lieut. Col. George Dorrance, was on the left ; Captains 
Durkee and Ransom, as military advisers, were stationed, 
the first on the right as aid to Capt. Bidlack, the latter 
on the left to assist Capt. \Vhittlese\'; Anderson Dana 
was acting Adjutant. No artiller\' was used on either 
side, and but few of the officers were mounted. As 
Col. Butler rode along to hastil\- inspecl the line\ he 
addressed to each Conipan\- a few words of encourage- 
ment, exhorting the men to stand firm, as all depended 
upon resisting the first shock. "Stand firm" said he, "and 
the Indians will soon give way." 

IlIK HATTLl-: OPENS. 
It was about 4 o'clock ^\hen the order to advance to 
t he attack was given. The men having been told off into 
odds and evens, were ordered to advance alternately by 
numbers, five s':eps, then halt and deliver fire ; while the 
the 1 rjar file woul 1 again advance and fire in their turn. 



IX'l'RODrCTO'^.V. 2 1 

F'or a while the firing was rapid and stead}- along the 
American line, and was returned in an equally spirited 
manner. The enemy's left being hard pressed by Capt. 
Hewitt's Provincials on our right, began to recoil, and a 
shout ran along the line that the British were being driven 
back. At this critical moment, the greatly superior num- 
ber of the enemy enabled the Indians on our right to 
out flank the Americans at that end of the line, and 
while Capt. Whittlesey was hotly engaged in front, a 
large number of the Indians had penetrated the swamp 
and were emerging from the thicket some distance in his 
rear. Seeing this movement Col. Denison ordered Whit- 
tlesey's Command to change front and form a line facing 
the enemy in that dire61ion. 

A FATAL MISTAKE. 
The battle had now raged for o\'er half an hour and 
was becoming hot and furious. The savages rushed in 
with fearful yells; still our men stood firm, returning shot 
for shot without thought of giving way before the furious 
onslaught, but when the order was given by Capt. Whit- 
tlesey for his Command to v/heel backward from the left 
with a view of forming a right angle with the original 
line, the order was understood by the men to be to re- 
treat, and they at once became demoralized and broke 
and fled in the wildest confusion. It was in vain that Col. 
Butler stro\e to rall\- his men by recklessh' exposing his 
own life as he passed along the line between the two fires; 
but it was too late ; a panic had seized upon these raw 
militia which the assuring words of no General could al- 
ia}-, and they broke and fled as the }'elling savages doubl- 
ed up our line b}- their onward rush from the left flank. 
The right stood its ground with desperate heroism. One 
ot Capt. Hewitt's officers said to him, "we are beaten, the 
Indians have gained our rear, shall we retreat .-'" "No ! 
I'll be d--cl if I do while a man stands b\- me" was the 
heroic reply, and he died at his post pierced by a shot 
from the British Rangers. Thus ended the battle of 
Wvominir but not 



22 INTRODUCTORY. 

THE MASSAC'RK. 

A portion of the Indians who had thus flanked the 
American left, did not stop to give the finishing blow to 
this doomed band of patriots, but pushed forward to the 
rear of the defeated army, to cut off its retreat to Forty 
Fort, thus completely hemming in those who sought to 
save themselves by flight, the river forming one side of 
the enclosure. Being thus surroimded on all sides, con- 
sternation reigning supreme, with men running hither 
and thither impelled by a sudden fear, the slaughter went 
on while a man was left within the fatal enclosure. Some 
were taken prisoners by the Greens and Rangers of Co . 
John Butler, but these were subsequently massacred in 
the most cruel and revolting manner by the Indians on 
the night of that dreadful day. Seventeen were slaught- 
ered by that semi-savage Hecate, Queen Esther, on a flat 
rock a short distance above the battle ground. Groups 
of other dead bodies were found in the vicinity, showing 
that they had been mAirdered in the most shocking man- 
ner after they had been taken prisoners. Of all the pris- 
oners taken on the field, it is not known that halt a doz- 
en escaped being barbarously murdered by the infuriated 
Indians ; a few evaded the vigilance of their captors, and 
succeeded in making their escape while being carried into 
captivity. Some swam the river and fled to VVilkesbarre, 
while a few passed the cordon of Indians in the rear of 
the battleground and reached Forty Fort unhurt, though 
hard pressed by the pursuing savages to its ver\' gates. 
THE DEATH ROLE. 

Not less than two hundred of the Conneclicut people 
were slain on that day and night of terror, including 
Lieut. Col. Dorrance, killed in the retreat. Major Garrett, 
Adjutant Dana, the six acting Captains, three volunteer 
Captains, without commands ; also ten Lieutenants and 
five non commissioned officers. As some palliation for 
this fearful tleath roll, be it said with honest sincerity, that 
it is not known that an\' women or children were mur- 



INTRODUC rORV. 2} 

dered duriiu{ the bloody contest of that day, or during 
the stay of the enemy in the Valley, with the approba- 
tion or consent ot the British Commander, though a few 
murders may have been committed afterwards in dire6l 
violation of his positive orders, by the uncontrolable to- 
ries and savages, afting as allies. 

As Col. Zebulon Butler was a Commissioned officer in 
the Continental army, and not willing to run the risk of 
being taken prisoner and carried into captivity, if no 
worse fate should be in store for him, it was judged pru- 
dent for him to retire from the Valley before a surrender 
of the forces should take place ; therefore the task of ar- 
ranging for the surrender devolved upon Col. Denison, 
the second in command. 

THE surrendp:r. 

The next day after the battle, the morning of the 4th, 
Col, John Butler sent a messenger to Forty Fort, re- 
questing Col. Denison to come up to his head quarters 
near Fort Wintermute, and agree upon terms of capitu- 
lation. Taking with him two civilians, Obadiah Gore 
and Dr. Gustin, Col. Denison repaired to the quarters of 
his victorious enemy, where, after a full and free discuss- 
ion, terms were agreed upon verbally. The conditions 
exacted by the victorious Butler, taking all things into 
consideration, were exceedingly liberal, and show that 
notwithstanding the atrocities that had been commit- 
ted by his savage allies, that he himself was aftuated by 
humane and generous impulses in his hour of triumph. 

All the parties met at 2 o'clock of the same day at 
Forty Fort, there being present also Zerah Beach, a 
prominent citizen, and Rev. Jacob Johnson, the Pastor of 
the Congregational Church at Wilkesbarre. Mr. John- 
son was invited to aft as Secretary, and the full text of 
the articles of capitulation were reduced to writing by him , 
and after being signed by the high contrafling parties, 
and duly witnessed, the surrender of the Fort, together 
with all the surrounding country to his Majesty's forces. 



24 - INTRODUCTORY. 

took place at 4 o'clock P. M., Jul)- 4th 1778 — a son-\- end- 
ing for the second anniversary of American Indepen- 
dence, here in Wyoming. The articles of capitulation as 
finally agreed upon and signed by Col. Denison on the 
part of the settler's forces and Col. John Butler, com- 
manding the British army of invasion, were substantially 
as follows : 

1st. It was mutually aijreed that the inhabitants of the settlement should 
lay down their arms, the Fort be demolished, and the Continental stores be 
delivered up. The inabitants of the settlements were to be permitted to occu- 
py their farms peaceably and without molestation of their persons. 

2d. The loyalists were to be allowed to remain in undisturbed possession of 
their farms, and to trade without interruption. 

3d. Col. Denison and the inhabitants stipulated not a^ain to take up arms 
during the war. 

4th. Col. John Butler agreed to use his utmost influence to cause the pri- 
vate property of the inhabitants to be respected. 

Notwithstanding this solemn guarantee on the part of the 
British Commander, the Indians and irregulars of the in- 
vading forces, scattered themselves through the Valley 
in marauding squads, and burned nearly every hut not be- 
longing to a tory loyalist. They "confiscated" whatever 
of the slender posessions of the rebelious Yankees the>' 
could find, which had been left behind in their hurried 
flight to escape the vengeance of those ruthless invaders 
of their country and their homes. The sufferings of the 
fugitives, of men, women and children, of all ages and 
conditions, during their flight across the mountains to- 
wards the Delaware, and through the "shades of death", 
as the dense hemlock swamps they passed were after- 
wards called, may never be known, but certain it is, that 
even at this remote day, it is fearful to contemplate 
the trials and hardships they must have endured. The 
invaders did not long tarr}-, as the objeft of the raid 
had been fully accomplished in the destru6lion of the set- 
tlement so obnoxious to the tory element, and the en- 
tire army finally left the Valley by the Indian path up 
the Lackawanna three or fourdavs after the battle. 



INTRorXCTm^iX. 2^ 

llIK FIELI* OK SI.Arcn TKR. 

After the escape of the surviviiiLj settlers. ancUhe with' 
drawal of the enem}-, the coimtry Mas t:inirely deserted 
by both friend and foe for atime. and t'-e dead bodiesofthc 
viftims of the t-errible slaughter near Winterniute's Fort, 
.lay unburied on the battle field, for devouring beasts and 
carrion birds of prey to gorge upon U^ng after the confli<5l: 
and it was not until some time in the ni<,nth of ( Vclober 
following, that the remains, n<T\c redu^rc.l to uiire cogniza- 
ble foul and ghastK' skeletons, were gathered up atui 
deposited in one common grave near the spot where they 
had fallen on that hot July afternoon; and where tiie)' re- 
mained in unforgottcn repose until al:)out the year l»S3l^ 
when the place of burial, in a cultivated held, was discov- 
ered by persons employed to search for them; thc>" were 
then disinterred and removed to their present resting 
place beneath the monument since erefted to conimem- 
t)rate th*,- events of the battle and of the a6lnrs therein 
engaged, to the end, that it may remind future genera- 
tions, of the services and sacrifices of their patriotic an- 
cestors, and mirkth:; spot wh:?i'e tluy. animate:! by des- 
perate valor, met their fate, or yijl Ic 1 only before vastl\' 
superior numbers, at th ? "Rattle and Massacre of W\o- 
ming", where wide-soread havo: and desolation marketl 
the bloody fo )tprints o! the savage invaders oi our \'alle\' 
REFI.KC'TIONS. 

The battle of Wyoming was not a great, battle direct- 
ly in its results, as afife6ling their struggle for Independ- 
ence by the Colonies. It was not great in j) )int of the 
numer of men engage! in the conflifl. Hut it was great 
in this : the exaggerate:! stiir\- of the atrocities commit- 
ted by the British troops and their allies, (Hea\en knows 
the truth was bad enough ), fired the heart an 1 nerved the 
arm ofever\- American patriot in this broad land, wherever 
the stor\' became known. It crossed the broad and tempes- 
tuous Atlantic and the s)'mpathies of Kuropean ci\dli/.a- 
tion became enlisted on the side of the struggling Colo- 



26 INTRODUCIOKV. 

nists, and material help came from across the water. It 
has made the name of "Wyoming" almost as a new Ther- 
mopylae — a synonym for desperate valor and a patriotic 
devotion to the cause of country with us as Spartan valor 
was regarded as the highest type among the Greeks of 
old. It was to preserve the memories, and commemorate 
the heroism and sacrifices of the actors in that historic 
event, that a few of their descendants, determined to 
make an effort to inaugurate the first "one hundredth 
year memorial service" on that once ensanguined field, 
at the foot of the monument of stone erefted to mark the 
spot where the bones of the victims lie mouldering back 
to mother earth, on the 3d of July 1878. 

The story of the inception of that patriotic undertak- 
ing, its progress, the hopes and fears of the men engag- 
ed in the task, and their struggles with material diffi- 
culties, together with its crowning triumph in an over- 
whelming demonstration on that centennial day, is fully 
and unreservedly set forth in the following pages com- 
piled from original documents relating thereto. 



IN ME MORI AM. 



THK HKGINNING. 



'CiPM^Wl^^^fi:' H K expedicncx of proxidinij for a lOOth 
^IP'^^^^ll year memorial observance of the Battle 



'^^T^->^^y^l\ ''"'^^^ Massacre ot Wyomin<(, on the an- 
f^nixersary of the completion of the first 
centurv after that tragic cv'cnt which 
'''^ brought destruftion and death to so many 
of the earl\- settlers in old Wyoming, had already enga- 
ged the attention of some (>\ mw citizens, descendants ol 
a few of those who aftivelv participated in the battle on 
that memorable day, as well as others more remotely, 
but !iot less keenly interested in the histor)' of the Val- 
ley; but no steps had yet been taken in the a6live prep- 
aration, until some tinu- in the month of June iS>//, 
Messrs Steuben Jenkins and Calvin Parsons, happened 
to meet in the Court House grounds in Wilkesbarrc, when 
the subje6l of taking immediate aclion in the matter c^f 
so preparing for a memorial ser\ ice on its lOOth anniver- 
sary, was incidentall)- mentioned and commented upon, 
and its proj)riet\' fully coticeded b}- both. It was then 
and there decided to enter upon the preliminary work at 
(uuc. Some davs after this iiu-eling, notes of invitation, 



2^ riRsr S(V.ElfNG. 

(the followiiij^ beiny; a copy of one of them), vxerc pre- 
pared and sent to a few persons whom it was supposed 
might feel an active interest in the proje6l : 

"Wyomiiiy;, Juitt- 29th. 1877. 
I>K.VK Sue : 

I would likem iivnn vdu at tlie Coun House, in WilkesliaTc. 

•M) I'uesifaiy, July 3d 1S77. at 10,30 A. M., tf> consult n\> >n the |>r.>priety of r. 

^eiiteimial L'elehiatiou of the Rattle of Wyoniini,', 

Vours truly ivrc, 

SiKLUKN Jknicins. 

Wh>yLEV follN.'^iON, 

Wilkeshane, fa.'' 

This was the initial move in the work of actively pre- 
parini^ a memorial service one hundred vears after that 
disastrous event. All the proceeding's following in fur- 
therance of the undertaking, are faithfull\- embodied in 
the following work, takei^ from the minutes of the Associ- 
ation. ;ind from articles for publication furnished to the 
])ail\- i)apers by the Secretary at the close ot each meet- 
ing. Nothing of importance relating to the subject has 
been omitted ; the obje6l being .to furnish a full recortl 
and transcript of all such matters and things as came up 
for consideration before the Association at an\' and all of 
its meetings. 

.\M) \\ H.\r ( .A.MK OF ri". 

What action was taken at this first informal meeting, 
in pursuance ot the foregoing invitation, is gi\en in the 
report as (oUows, under date of Jul\- 4th ii^yj- 

"Yesterday was the 99th anniversary of the B;ittleand 
Massacre (jf Wxoming, where perhaps three hundred, out 
of about foLu- hundrc;d of the Connecticut settlers fell, on 
that bloody field in the upper portion of the Valley. it 
was therefore a fitting occasion for the descendants of 
these brave men. to meet and consult together on the 
subjeft (jf preparing, thus earlv, to honor the first hun- 
dredth anniversary of the tragic event, b\- arranging a 
suitable memorial ser\ice to be obserxed on that day. In 
l)in'su;iiue of this desire on the j)art of many of our citi- 
zens, tliere was ,in informal meetinsj' held at the Arbitral- 



TEMroRARv or(;anization. 29 

tion Room in the Court House, at half past 10 o'clock A. 
M., for taking into consideration the propriety of thus 
observing the Centennial of the Battle at its next anni- 
versary, one year hence. Of citizens, who responded to 
the invitations sent out a few days ago, and were present 
on this occasion, there were: Hon. Steuben Jenkins of 
Wyoming ; Hon. Kdmund L. Dana of Wilkcsbarre ; 
Gen. Henry M. Hoyt of Wilkesbarre ; Hon. Lazarus D. 
Shoemaker of Wilkesbarre ; Col. Charles Dorrance of 
Kingston; Dr. Horace Hollister of Providence Pa.; Priest- 
ley R. Johnson of Wilkesbarre ; Calvin Parsons Esq. of 
Parsons Borough, and Wesley Johnson of Wilkesbarre. 

On motion. Gen. Dana was called to the chair, and 
Wesley Johnson appointed Secretary. 

Mr. Jenkinsand Dr. Hollister, each addressed the meet- 
ing at some length, urging immediate aftion in prepar- 
ing Co make the looth anniversary of the Battle, one to 
be long remembered in Wyoming. b\- renewing in the 
minds of the rising generation a just appreciation of the 
perils and hardships to which their ancestors were subje6l- 
ed, and teaching them to emulate the example of those 
brave and heroic men, who laid down their lives in de- 
fence of this fair land, whose fertile fields and stores of 
mineral wealth the (owners of to day enjoy in peace. After 
whicli Mr. Jenkins offered the following Resolutioii. which 
was unanimously adooted. 

/\i'S()/rc'(/, That a Committee of Seventeen, of which 
the chairman of this meeting shall be one, be appointed, 
w hose duty it shall be to report at a subsequent meeting, 
a plan for a permanent organization, and for the proper 
commemoration of the Battle of Wyoming on the 3d of 
July 1878. 

Whereupon the following named persons, all lineal 
descendants of participants in the Battle, and many of 
them of vi<5lims in tliat cruel massacre, were appointed 
bv the meeting"- \iz : 



30 fo.MMITTKK OF SKVKNTEEN. 

Has. Sua nv.s Jknkins. of Wyoming. 

Ges. KdmuM) L. Dana, of Wilkcsbarrc. 

l)K. HoRACK HoLi.isrKK, of Providence. 

SiKWAR r Pkakci: Ks(.).. of Wilke.sbarre. 

Coi,. CnARi.Ks DoRRAXCK, of Kingston. 

Hon. La/.ar( s D. Shokmaker. of Wilke.sbanc. 

Ira Davkni'ori Kso . of Plymouth. 

JK.ssK Ha ti)iN(; P2so.. of l\aton. 

Coi,. I''ranK Stkwar 1. of Ikrwick. 

Cat'i. C" a IAIN Par.sons. of Parson.s. 

Dr. .Xndrkw Bkhford. of Abington. 

Kdward Wki.I.s E.scj , of Wyalusing. 

SrKrHF.N Hi ILFR Ks(,) , of Wilke.sbarre. 

VV.\i. Ross Mafffit, 

Wi:sLF\ Johnson. 

Hon. PkI'FR M. OsiFRilori', of 'runkhannr)ck. 

Kl.isii a Hi.AiK\F-\N I^S(^).. of Pitt.ston. 

.Alter the announcement of the committee the meeting 
adjoui-ned to meet at the same place on. the 25th inst, at 
half past ten o'clock A. M. 

It was e\i<lent from the spirit manifested by those pres- 
ent, that a memorial service worth)- of that great event 
will be inaiiiiurated on its recurring anni\ersar\' one \'ear 
hence, it is not tit that it should be one of rejoicing, 
but rather a (ia\- ot S()rrow, as manifested in most of its 
memorial ser\ices. It is probable that these services will 
inchuk- an historical review of e\ery known event con- 
nected with the battle, an eulogv to the tleatl patriots. 
and ])erha]js there will hv enacted as near as can be b\- 
the citizen soklier}'. some of the scenes, and most striking 
incidents of that bloody ila\- on the tleld of Battle and tiie 
retreat to old. hort) h'ort, when all sav„' honor was lost. 

hroni the m.iterial of which the Committee of sex'cn- 
teen is composed, the numbei- of the- Committee corres- 
ponding with the seventeen townships of old WvMming.) 
we look lor active and persistent works by the members 
imtil all the details shall be arr.mged, togi\e us on tliis. 



\VH() rHKV AUK. 31 

our Centennial Anniversary, a memorial paj^^eant that 
shall refle6l the highest credit upon these descendants of 
worth}' sires. 

The Chairman is the H<jn. Steuben Jenkins, who seems 
to be full)- aroused to tlie work ; it is enouj^h to sa\- ot 
him. that he is a grandson of Col. John Jenkins ot Colo- 
nial times. Mr. Jenkins is to some e.\tent an anticjua- 
rian. whose delight is in the past, and is i)erhaps the best 
authority on the local history of our Valley now livint;. 

Judge Dana is a gandson of the bra\e Anderson Dana, 
who had hastened back from Hartford Connecticut, where 
he was serving as a member of the Assembl), when he 
learned of the threatened attack upon Wyoming, and vol- 
unteered as a })rivate in the ranks, w here foremost fighting 
he fell. 

Mr. Calvin Parsons derives his lineage from the same 
good stock on the maternal sitie. 

Dr. Hollister who is widel\- known as a local historian, 
and a keen observer of passing events, is of that famil\' ot 
Hollisters who lost their li\es at "The First Massacre ot 
Wyoming" by the Indians in 1763. 

Stewart Pearce. the author of the " Annals of Luzerne," 
comes of the house of Stewart, one of whom, the intrepid 
Cap't. Lazarus Stewart fell on that fatal fieKl at the head 
of his brave Hanoverian Companw 

Col. Charles Dorrance, a large hearted gentleman fai- 
mer, who inherits his broatl acres on the Kingstoji flats 
from his pioneer ancestors, is a grandson of the Lieut. 
Col. George Dorrance, who, while braxely fighting, fell 
under the murderous fire of the Indians on the left ^\ing 
of the little arm}- in the battle. 

Hon. L D Shoemaker has the blood v\ lOl. Denison. 
and of Cap't. Klijah Shoemaker, who perished in the mas- 
sacre after the battle, h.iving been treacherousU' decoyed 
within range of the rifle of a noted tor}- whom he had 
often befriended previous to the opening of the war. 
The Da\enports of jM}-m(>uth were among the earl}' 



T,2 WHO THKY ARK. 

settlers here and of course shared in all the danglers and 
hardships of pioneer life. 

Jesse Harding of Eaton is of that family of Hardings 
who were the first viftims of British and Indian barbarity 
in the Wyoming Campaign; of the entire family of father 
and four sons, only one, the grandfather of Jesse, escap- 
ing to tell the tale in the valley, as he fled from the 
bloodstained cornfield near the present family residence, 
two days before the battle. Col. Butler's last words be- 
fore engaging the enemy were: "Men, yonder is the 
enemy; the fate of the Hardings tells us what we are to 
e.xpe6l in the event of defeat." 

Col. Frank Stewart is also of the family of Cap't. Laz- 
arus Stewart, one of the " Paxton Boys," the same as Mr. 
Pearce. 

Edward Wells is a grandson of Matthias Hollenback on 
his mother's side of the house, and the name of Hollen- 
back is so extensively woven into the early history of the 
valley, as well as of business enterprises of a later day, and 
down to the present, that a mere reference to the faft of 
his ancestry, will be sufficient without further mention. 

The venerable Steuben Butler is a son of Col. Zebulon 
Butler, the chief in command at the Battle, and with 
the exception of Mrs. Sally Abbott, a daughter of Col- 
Nathan Denison, second on that day, is perhaps the only 
living representative next in degree to the old patriots of 
the 3d of July Battle. 

Dr. Andrew Bedford represents an honored line, and 
his mother. Miss Sutton, then a girl ten years old, had 
with others of the surrounding country been gathered 
into the Fort, and well remembered many of the trying 
scenes of those dark da\'s to the close of her life. 

Wm. Ross Maffett is nearest of kin to the brave Ross 
family whose historx' was written in blood on that da\', 
being a grandson of Gen. Wm. Ross, an opulent land 
holder of Wilkesbarre. who at a later da}' was prominently 



WHO THEY Al^l". 3;> 

conne6led With some stirring events in tlie strife between 
Pennsylvania and Connefticut. 

Wesley Johnson is a grandson of the Pioneer Preacher^ 
Jacob Johnson, who \\ws present on the day of the Hat' 
tie, but did not participate in the bloody work, having 
been detailed to remain at the Fort to comfort and ad* 
vise the women and children gathered there for proteft- 
ion, but he had the honor of being selefted to a6l as 
Secretary to the high contra6ling parties, for the purpose 
of reducing to writing the terms of capitulation, that had 
been verbally agreed upon between the victorious Butler 
and the vanquished Col. Denison who was left in com* 
mand of the settlers after the retirement of CoK Rutler< 
and whose name also appears as one of the attesting 
witnesses to the articles of capitulation^ 

Judge Osterhout represents old Putnam and comes of 
stalwart stock, and the Blackmans were well known in 
those dark days of pioneer trials and sufferings in the field 
of fame, as w-ell as in more peaceful pursuits. The pub- 
lic will watch with no little degree of intere.'^t the out* 
come of the w^ork of this committee of seventeen." 

Such was the very flattering report that went forth on 
the wings of the newspaper press of this first effort to 
organize for the coming event, now acknowledged on 
every hand, destined to be one of great importance to the 
valley in familiarizing the country with its histor.v, and 
incidentally dire6ling attention to the vast wealth, and 
importance of the almost ine.xhaustible stores of anthra- 
cite coal hid awa\' in the bowels of the earth beneath our 
fertile soil. 

C.^TTIXC. DOWN TO WORK. 

The work of organization being now well under Wa\*, 
and the committee already engaged in arranging a 
definite and practical plan for future operations, the press 
again on the i8th of July, called attention to the subjeft 
as follows : 



34 COMMITTEE MEETINGS. 

"A meeting is called for to-day, of the coinmittee ap- 
pointed at the meeting of the 3d inst.. the business of 
which will be to report a plan for a permanent organiza- 
tion, to make preparations for th» proper celebration of 
the Wyoming Centennial next 3d of Juh'. It is probable 
that some plan will be adopted at this meeting, or at 
least the plans submitted will be reported to the citizens' 
meeting to assemble, as per adjournment, on the 25th 
inst. Suggestions from any citizen will be in order, if 
handed in to any one of the committee of seventeen. It 
is not proposed or desired to make this thing exclusive. 
The movement was initiated, as was proper, by the 
descendants of the old settlers, and the committee was 
made to consist of seventeen members to correspond 
with the number of Conne6licut townships in the old 
land company's grant, and each committeeman is sup- 
posed to represent a township and the people thereof. 
But history is the property of the nation, and the obje6t 
is to make this a national celebration, as the event which 
it is to commemorate was of national importance, and 
was one of the scenes in the great drama of the Revolu- 
tion which gave independence to the struggling colonies 
of North America; and established a firm confederation 
of sovereign states for all time, as we hope and trust. 
It was not alone in our own land that humanit\' stood 
aghast at the recital of the savage butchery of unresist- 
ing citizens that followed on the evening and night of 
that fearful day. The story of the atrocities of the 
Wyoming Massacre was heard round the ci\'ilized world, 
and one of the finest poems in the English language, by 
one of England's great poets, received its insjiiration from 
this notable event, and though Campbell's description 
of scenery may be a little too warm for Penns\l\ania's 
mountain valley, \'et the poem is exquisite; and although 
it is denied that 

"The monster Brandt 
Willi all his howlino;, desolatiiii^ liaml, 
Fought on that fatal tlav," 



(OMMITTEK MEETINC.S. 35 

yet the fa.&. is patent to all students of our local history 
that it was 

•'A (lay of blood upon the plain," 

where youth, manhood, and feeble old age alike poured 
out their blood as water upon the parched earth; and 
when we, the descendants and successors of those brave 
men, forget their sacrifices "may our right hands forget 
their cunning, and our tongues cleave to the roofs of our 
mouths," when strangers ask us to recount the thrilling 
story of the Massacre, of which they may have been but 
imperfectly informed. " 

THE PLAN OUTLINED. 

The committee appointed at the primary meeting on 
the 3d to prepare and report a plan for a permanent 
organization met in the Arbitration room, in the Court 
House, at half past ten A. M., July i8th. There were 
present Hon. Steuben Jenkins, Chairman; Wesley John- 
son, Secretary, and Gen. Edmund L. Dana, Col. Charles 
Dorrance, Dr. H. Hollister, Dr. A. Bedford, Hon. L. D. 
Shoemaker, and Elisha Blackman of the committee, and 
also James Augustus Gordon of Plymouth, and H. B. 
Plumb of Hanover. Letters were read from Mr. Ira 
Davenport requesting to have Frank Turner substituted 
in his place; also from Mr. Jesse Harding, of P2aton. em- 
bodying his views on the subjeft, and manifesting a lively 
intetest in the same, but pleading his advanced age for 
not attending in person. Judge P. M. Osterhout, of 
Tunkhannock, also sent in his regret at not being able 
to be present, as did some others. 

After the question had been fully discussed, Mr. Jenkins 
submitted a paper embodying a plan of organization, 
which was unanimously adopted on motion of Gen. Dana, 
and recommended to the general meeting, to be held at 
the Court House, on the 25th inst., for favorable consid- 
eration. This plan provides generally for an association 
to be known as the Wyoming Centennial Association, 
with a President, seventeen Vice-Presidents, Secretary, 



6 coNfMiTTEF-: ^rKp:TrN(rs'. 



Treasurer, etc., and also for the appointment of commft- 
tees to take charge in detail of the various branches of a 
meinorial ijervice, such as this is like to be, but as the 
work I's still incomplete we forbear to make further men- 
lion of it at present. 

The utmost harmonv of sentiment prevailed, and there 
seems to be a fixed determination to make this the event 
of 1878. Pennsylvania has but three revolutionary battle 
fields — Branch' wine, Germantown, and Wyoming — if we 
exclude Paoli, which was a mere butchery of defenseless 
men, ami not a battle, and it seems therefore required 
of us as a plain duty w hich we owe the past, that we 
should not negle61 to remember these few hallowed spots 
in our earh' struggle for independence. 

On motion of Wesley Johnson, a committee of five was 
ordered to be appointed, of which the chair shall be one, 
to report at the meeting to be held on the 25th a list of 
suitable persons to serve as permanent officers of the 
association, and that the committee also report an esti- 
mate of the probable expenses to be incurred by the 
proposed memorial celebration. 

Alter interchanging views on various names suggested, 
the committee adjourned to meet on the 25th, at nine 
A. M., at the same place, a few hours in advance of the 
general meeting in the C(^urt House, to perfe6l its list of 
recommendations. 

The meeting of ne.vt week will be entirely open to all 
citizens, and it is proposed to ask 'of the Commissioners 
the use of Court Room No. 1 to accommodate the large 
attendance expe6led, and all are invited to make sug- 
gestions touching the subjeft-matter under consideration. 
riiK .'\sso(;iATiox okcwized. 

The members of the committee authorized to report a 
plan for the permanent organization of an association, 
to prepare for and arrange the contemplated memorial 
centennial services, met early on the morning of July 
25th, 1877, for the purpose of revising and amending the 



COMMITTEE MEETINCS. yj 

plan as already agreed upon, if circumstances should 
render such aftion advisable A few names were added 
and substituted for others already on the list, but the 
work was pronounced good, and at half past ten o'clock 
A. M. the committee repaired to the office of the Bar 
Association, in the Court House building, where a large 
attendance of citizens had assembled to listen to the 
reading of the report of the committee. General E. L. 
Dana, Chairman pro tcin., called the meeting to order, 
antl the minutes of the former meeting were read and 
approved; after which Hon. Steuben Jenkins, chairman 
of the committee of seventeen, reported the plan as 
adopted in committee; also the names of permanent 
officers of the association, and the names of suitable per- 
sons to serve on the standing committees provided for, 
which report, on motion of Hon. Hendrick B. Wright, 
was adopted, and the several persons named therein 
were duly elefted as recommended. 

REPORT OE COMMITTEE. 

The committee recommend that the association shall 
be known as the Wyoming Centennial Association. Its 
officers shall be a President, seventeen Vice-Presidents, 
a Treasurer, a Secretary, and an Assistant Secretary. 

There shall be the following standing committees of 
the association, viz.: On Invitations; on Addresses, Ora- 
tions, Poems, &c.; on Historical Collections and Data; 
on Museum of Antiquities and Art; on Finance; on 
Buildings; on Dinner and Refreshments; on Procession; 
on Reception; on Music; on Preparation and Decoration 
of Grounds; on Arrangements with Railroads for P'ares 
and Freights. 

The President, Treasurer, and Secre'tary, with the 
chairmen of the standing committees shall be an PLxecu- 
tive Committee. 

There shall be a Superintendent, or Direftor General, 
to be appointed by the P^xecutive Committee. 

Each (^f said officers and committees shall have charge 



of and i3er{(>i-nu the duties indicated by tliteir rrarrre arrd 
e:hara6ler. 

All moiTcy' rarstTJ for the purposes of the associatiorQ 
"ihall be under the oi'der and direT5lion of the Rxecutive 
Committee, and shall be paid ou-t on ordetrs- drawn by the 
President, and attested by the Secretary. 

The (yhjeS. of the association shall be tocosmneinorate 
in proper and patriotic nn»anner the Centennial Anniver- 
sary of the Battle of Wyoming, on the 3d of July, 1878, 
and celebrate in like ir^anner the national birthday ons 
file 4th of July, 1878. 

rhe exercises af the firs>t da.y to be of a solemn and 
smpressiv^e character; those of the second day of a digni- 
fied, patriotic rejoicing," thws conforming them to the 
history and character of the resp>e6live days. 

The Vice-Presjdents shall consist of one person fron"s 
each of the original seventeen townships, and it shall be 
the special duty of each of said Vice-Presidents to write, 
or procure to be written, a sketch of the history of his 
township, to be presented and read as a part of the com- 
m'emorative exercises, and published with the proceed- 
ings of the association. It shall also be his duty to 
collect all historical papers and docunients that can be 
had, for the purpose of publication, that every fa6l in the 
history of Wyoming may be colle6led and preserved. 

That the Luzerne County Agricultural Society's fair 
l^rounds, being about midway between the battle field 
and the monument ere6led to the memory of the slain, 
and in the immediate vicinity of bloody Queen Esther's 
Rock, is selected as the most convenient and suitable 
ground on which the ceremonials shall take place. 

The committee also report the following persons as 
officers for the permanent organization ot the Wyoming 
Centennial Association: 

President — -Charles Dorrance. 
Treasurer — Lazarus Denison Shoemaker. 

Seere/ary — Wesley Johnson. 




^y^&^- 



V_ C 



C. 



•COBMri'TEE XlEETlXGs. ^'^i 

Assis'taut Secretary— lidmwwd G. Butler, 
Vice-Presidenls^-lc.d\CdirA Herrick, Athens-, Williaiw 
Allen, Bedford-, Maj. John Sturdevai\t, Braintrim, O. H. 
V. Kinney, Claverack-; jarrces Hads&U, Kxcler; Stewart 
Pearce, Hanover-, A. N. Harvey. HKntiwgton", Steubeit 
Jenkins, Kingston-, Washington Lee, Newport; Gordoii 
Pike, Northmoreland; Elisha Blackman, Pittston'; James 
A. Gordon, Plymouth; Dr. B-. H. Throop, Providence; 
Samuel Stark, Putnam; Colonel Frank Stewart, Salem; 
(Springfield ai\d Ulster not filled); Steuben Rut-ier and 
G. Murray Reynolds, Wilke^-Barre. 

STANDING COMMlTTEli^S. 
Invilalions — Hon. Garrick M. Harding. Stcwatt PeaTcc> 
Sharp D. Lewis, Dr. B. H. Throop, Joseph A. Scrantonv 
Dr. W. H. Bradley, H. B. BeardsJee, William Ransom. 
Charles Parrish, and James W. Kesler. 

Addresses, Orations, Poems, c5^i;-.— Kdmund L. Danux 
C. L A. Chapman. John K. Barrett. George M. Richart> 
P. M. Osterhout. William A.Campbell, O. H. Wordcn. 

Historieal Colleetions, Data, &e.— Tii. Horace Hollistcn 
Rev. Geo. Landon, William P. Miner, Dr. Harry Hakesv 
S. S. Benedia, Rev. David Craft. Rev. S. S. Kennedy. 
Ralph D. Lacoe, and Hon. Sylvester Dana. Jr.. Concordx 
New Hampshire. 

Museum of Antiquities, ctV.— Steuben Jenkins. I-ldward 
Welles, Harrison Wright, Daniel S. Bennct. J'ortcr Marcy, 
W^ H. H. Gore, and George W . Beach. 

Finance — Payne Pettebone. Theodore Strong. Abram 
Nesbitt, Edward P. Kingsbury. George S. Bennett. I''rank 
Turner, John W. Hollenback, George Sanderson. 

Buildings — George Corey, William 0'Malle\-, H. H, 
Harvey, J. D. Green, A. S. Davenport, David Perkins. 

Dinner, Refreshments, &e. — J. Milton Courtright. Jos. 
¥.. Patterson. K.J. Ross. Col. Harry A. Laycock. Samuel 
Raub. Addison Church. William S. Shoemaker. Mar.v 
Lone. 



40 COMMITTKK MKETIN(;s. 

Procession — Gen. Henr}- M. Hoyt. Gen. K. S. Osborne. 
Col. C. K. Campbell. Col. T. D. Lewis, Col. E. W. Pierce. 
Col. Cha.s. H. Wilson. Maj. T. C. Harkness. Maj. Oliver 
A. Parsons. 

Reception — -Hon. Hendrick B. Wright. Col. Ira Tripp. 
Dr. Andrew Bedford, Gen. P2. W. Sturdevant, Hon. John 
Handley, Lewis Pughe, Edwin Shortz. B. A. Bidlack. 
John A. Carey, Peter Franklin. 

Preparation of Grounds — James P. Atherton. Bradle}- 
Williams. David Blanchard. Daniel Searle, James S. 
Slocum. 

Decoration — R. J. Wisner, Wijliam H. Butler, James 
Searle, Benj. Y . Dorrance, James Sutton, E. A. Hancock. 
Bruce Price, Benj. G.Cooper. Rev. Abel Barker. Bradley 
Downing. 

Music — Calvin Parsons, E. C. Fuller. Aaron A. Chase. 
Henry Stark, Edward P. Darling. Robert J. James. 

Railroads, Fares, &c. — Stanle\' Woodward. Victor E. 
Piolett, George L. Dickson, A. B. Dunning, Henry W. 
Palmer, Robert A. Packer, William R. Maffett, James 
Ruthven, William L. Conyngham. 

Publication—^. E. Butler, E. D. Barthe, J. A. Clark, 
E. A. Niven, G. Murray Reynolds, Robert Baur. 

On motion of Col. Wright, it was 

Resolved, That the Committee on Invitations be 
direfted to give the ladies of the Wyoming Monument 
Association an invitation to attend the memorial cere- 
monies, and that seats be assigned to them in an appro- 
priate place. 

On motion of Col. Frank Stewart, it was 

Resolved, That the Committee on Historical Collec- 
tions, &c., be requested to colle6l a list of the names and 
residences, as far as pra6licable, of the living descendants 
of those who fell in the massacre, for publication in the 
general proceedings. 

On motion, adjourned to meet at the call of the Presi- 
dent. 



NAM H —ON K H r N 1 )K i; 1 ) 1 H . 



41 



The persons to wliom was delej^ated tlic task of pre- 
paring for the eentennial exercises iHd not remain idle, 
tliough nothini^ was done by the association until the 
I ith of October following-, when a meeting was held un- 
der tiie call of the President, as it was deemed important 
not only to forward the undertaking by preparing for 
work in committee, but also to awaken an interest in the 
public mind by keeping the matter well adxertised in the 
newspapers, as it would be by the publication of the re- 
ports of the association's transactions, and to show that 
the project was not to be dropped out of sight. At this 
meeting, held in the Cit\' Council chamber, there were 
present Col. Charles Dorrance, President of the associa- 
tion; Wesley Johnson, Secretary ; Lazarus D. Shoemaker, 
Treasurer; and the following named chairmen of com- 
mittees: Invitations, Judge Harding; Orations, Judge 
Dana; Historical Colleftions, Dr. Hollister; Antiquities, 
Mr. Jenkins; Decorations, Mr. Wisner; Music, Mr. 
Parsons. 

There were also present as members of committees 
Hon. Charles Abbott Miner ami William Ross Maffett. 

On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was 

Rcso/7'cd. That the commemorative exercises on the 
3d of July next be held on the battle ground at Wyom- 
ing, and that the exercises on the 4th ije in the cit\' of 
Wilkesbarre. 

Hon. Garrick M, Harding, of the Committee on In- 
x'itations, offereti the following: 

Rcsol'i'i'd, That this association be known b)- the name 
and style of "One Hundredth Anniversarx' of the Battle 
of W\-oming," and that this designation be adopted in 
all its correspondence and other transactions. 

Judge Harding said: "The word 'centennial,' since 
the International P^xhibition at Philadelphia last year, 
had become so common as to excite almost ;i feeling of 
ridicule in the mind of man\- people. \W' hear not only 
of centennial e.xhibitions, centennial churches, centennial 



42 



RKASONS \\I[\' 



hotels, hut so iow in (h'i^nit}' has the word fallen that 
now we are reminded by certain enterprising dealers in 
small ware's that the\- keep lor sale 'centennial soaps" 
and ' mucilai;e.' I, therefore, mo\e \'ou, Mr. President of 
the association, that we crideavor to reform this thinif, 
so far as in us lies. b\' eliminating this much abused exotic 
Avord from our records by substituting the pFain English 
term 'one h,undrc:dth' in its stead. Our climate is too 
cold, and our hills too rugged, to afford a congenial home 
for the language of sunny Italy, when we ha\e w^ords 
derived from our stiird}' hLnglish ancestors which express 
our meaning full as well, if not better, than these angli- 
cised Latin ones." 

The resolution was unanimously adopte.l. 

.\ plan of the order of exercises was made up and dis- 
cussed at length b\- the meeting, but not finall\- decided 
upon. This plan contemplates, in a general wa\', the 
assembling -it the Wyoming Fair Cjrounds, at 9 o'clock-. 
on the morning of luly 3d of next,\'ear, to listen to an ora- 
tion, an historical address, and reading of original poems 
suitable to tJie occasion; also an original h\'mn and music. 
It is proposed that there be erefted on the kur grounds 
a log cabin m imitation of the homes of our lathers. 
from the Ijalcony of which the proceedings will take 
place. 

After suitable refreshments ha\e been partaken of, the 
procession will form, with music' and b.inners draped in 
mourning, an;i march to the monument. It is e.\pe6led 
the several Posts of the Grand Arm\' throughout this 
and other Slates will be well represented on the occa- 
sion. 

.\t the monunn'nt an original h)-mn will be sung, and 
a solemn dirge !)>• the band will comi)lete the exercises 
of the commemorative service at the completion of the 
first huntlred \ears ,ifter the battle, which co\'ered the 
plain with corpses, and caused mourning and weeping in 
almost everv household in the vallew 



rRKsn)i:\r aM) covkunors. 



43 



The ])rocccding's will be carclLill)' note;! and ])ii!)lishccl 
in book forni. to be preserved (or exhibition at the recur- 
rence of the second century of this sorrovvfn] da\-. 

On motion of Judge Dana, it was 

Ri'soli'cd, That the Committee on Invitations be iii- 
•stru6led to invite the President of the United States, and 
the Go\x-rnors of New York and New Jerse\ and (tf the 
New England States, and such other (jtuernors as the\" 
ma\- deem advisable. 

On motion. Judge Dana and Steuben Jenkins were ap- 
pointed a committee to procure a heading ami adopt a 
device to be used in all correspondence. 

On motion, it was 

Rvsol7'cd, That the chairman of each sub-committee 
conx'ene, without delay, his committee to receive sug- 
g'estions and make arrangements for carr\ing out the 
work set apart for such committee, and that w hen this 
meeting adjourns it will adjourn to meet on .S.iturda\-, 
the lOth da\- of November next, at lO o'clock A. .M., at 
the sairse place, to receive reports of committees. 

At the next meeting of the I'i.xecutixe Committee, 
lield on the iith of November, there were {^-c-ent Chas. 
Dorrance, President; L. D. Shoemaker, Treasurer : and 
Weslex' Johnson, Secretar}-; of chairmen of committees, 
Juciges Dana and Harding, (jen. Ho\-t, Dr. Hollister, and 
Messrs. Parsons, Corey, and Wisner; also Dr. Hakes, 1). 
S. Rennet, P^dward S. Loop, Harrison Wright, and J;imes 
Searle members of committees. 

Juflge Harding said, in repl\' to a cpiestion put 1)\- the 
chair, that no formal invitations hail gone out, but the 
committee is in receipt of communications on the subject, 
showing that there is a deep interest being manifested 
in the success of the enterprise. It cannot fail to be a 
grand success. 

Messrs. Dana and Jenkins, who were appointed at the 
last meeting a committee to procure a heading and adopt 
a de\'ice to be used in all the correspondence of this 



44 ■'^^''> MASSACRK. 

association, reported that on the left hand upper corner 
of the sheet there be a picture of the VVyornincr monu- 
ment, surrounded by the Latin legend, " Dulce et decorum 
est pro pat r in iiiori;" on the right, in artistically dis- 
pia)-ed t\pe, '"One Hundredth Anniversary of the Battle 
of Wyoming, July 3, 1778 — July 3, 1878." 

( )n motion of Judge Harding, the report was received. 

Dr. Hollister moved to amend the report by adding 
the wonls •' and massacre " after the word "battle," as 
re[«)rted, and urging the adoption of this addition as 
more clearly defining the character of the event we are 
about to commemorate. 

Dr. Hakes spoke in fa\'or of the addition, as the event 
has alwa\s l)een known as the "Massacre of Wyoming. " 
It is true that there was a battle, and after the battle, 
and after all resistance had ceased, there was a terrible 
massacre ot the unresisting prisoners, of whom none 
escaped. .Ml perished who fell into the hands of the 
blood thirsty savages on the e\'ening of that fatal da>-. 
It was not onl\' a nobly fought battle, but the night of 
that terrible da\- witnessed such horrid scenes of rapine 
and miu'tler and outrage u})on the conquered that the 
story oi our w rong moved the s\-mpathies of the whole 
civilize! world in f.ivor of the struggling colonists, and 
inspired the theme for one of the most beautiful poems 
in the I'Lnglish l.mguage, .md served to adorn man}' an 
historic tale. 

Upon the question being put, shall the amendment 
prevail.'' it was unanimously carried, and the style will 
now be, "One Hundredth Anni\ersary of the l-5attle and 
Massacre of Wyoming, July 3, I778--July 3, 1878." 

Cien. Ho\t, the chairman on procession, said that from 
all quarters he had the most cheeiing e\'idence that this 
thing is taking hold of the hearts of the people. The 
feeling is in favor of making it a splendid fivation. Tlie 
military, as represented l)\' the (irand .\rmy of the 
Republic and x'eterans, will lend us material support in 



INDIAN RELICS. 45 

helping to swell the grand pageant on that day. He 
proposed that there be added to the programme a repre- 
sentation of some of the tragic events, such as Queen 
Esther's horrid orgie and murder on the blood\- rock, 
which was favorably received by the meeting. 

Mr. George Corey, on Buildings, reports favorabl)-. and 
his committee will not be behind in its part of the pro- 
gramme. 

Judge Dana, on Orations and Poems, is in correspond- 
ence with Ba\'ard Taylor, J. G. Whittier, and others on 
these subjefts, and expefts something by way of original 
poems that will live in the memory of the coming gene- 
rations for the next hundred \-ears. 

Mr. Jenkins, on Antiquities, proposes to build a log 
cabin in the style of our grandfathers on the fair grounds, 
in which to display suCh relics as can be collefted; also 
the grand collections of Indian relics owned by himself 
and Dr. Hollister, which together will constitute the 
finest colle6lion in the United States. This will be a 
great attraction. 

Mr. Parsons, on Music, reports favorably on his part of 
the work. All the bands within a reasonable distance 
will be invited to assist with appropriate sele6lions. 

On motion of Harrison Wright, it was 

Rcsol'i'cd, That there be appointed a committee to 
arrange the exercises, and to conduft the proceedings 
on the ground. 

Mr. Wright was appointed chairman of this committee, 
with P^rnest V. Jackson, John \^. Alexander, John P.spy, 
and E. W. Weston as members. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was 

Resoh'cd, That a commemorative medal be prepared 
from a design to be submitted by a committee appointed 
for that purpose. 

It is thought that enough of these may be sold to 
more than pa\' the expense of their preparation. 



46 



FK01'()Si:i) KXKRCISKS. 



Messrs. Harrison Wrii^iit, K. L. Dana, and Steuben 
Jenkins were appointed on this committee. 

On motion of Judge Dan;i, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to procure a 
sufficient number of printed slips containing the names 
of the members of the different committees, to furnish 
each chairman with a Hst of the members of his respec- 
tive committee. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns it will ad- 
journ to meet at this same place, on Monda)-, the 24tii 
da\' of December next. 

FAVOR.\BI.E PR0(;RHSS RKl'OR TKI). 

A large and enthusiastic meeting of the se\eral com- 
mittees and others of the association was held at the 
Arbitration room, in the Court House, on December 24, 
1877. at 10 o'clock A. M. The President, Col. Dorrance, 
called the meeting to order. 

A communication from the Scranton Veteran Soldiers" 
Association, proposing to assist in the memorial, was 
read b\' the Secretary; and on motion it was ordered 
to be referred to the Committee on Procession, with a 
recommendation to take favorable action in the matter. 

The Chairman of the Committee on Addresses, Ora- 
tions and Poems, reports the general plan of exercises 
t<^ be observed on the 3d and 4th to the consideration of 
the meeting. 

The main feature of this plan contemplates the assem- 
bling at the W\'oming Fair Grounds, at 9 o'clock A. M., 
on the 3d of Jul\- next. The reception address will be 
delivered b\- Col. Wright. The procession will then 
form and march to the battle ground, about half a mile 
distant, where an explanator\' address will be made, 
pointing out the positions of the two contending forces, 
and a general [)lan of the l)attle, to enable persons the 
better to imderstand the historical address that will fol- 
low, upon a return to the fair grounds, where the princi- 



I'RorcisKD i',.\i:ri'1si:s. 47 

pal exercises will take place. Messrs. Jenkins and C. I. 
A. Chapman will be assii^netl to make these explanatory 
addresses. .After listening to the historical address, the 
procession will again form and in solemn order move to 
the monument, where, after saluting the dead heroes by 
dipping the draped banners and firing a funeral salute by 
the assembled veterans, a grand and solemn dirge 
will be performed by the united bands and singers, 
who are expected to be present in large numbers. The 
])rocession will then return to the fair grounds for refresh- 
ments, and the afternoon will be occupied in reading an 
original otle b}- Re\'. Henry Coppee, D. D.. of the Lehigh 
Universit)-, and one of a commemorative character by 
Jesse Hardmg, of W)'oming Co. The exercises will be 
properh' interspersed with choice music and rex'erential 
prayer. One of the addresses will be by Rev. Wm. P. 
.\bb()tt, of New York. 

i)r. Hollister reported his committee as hard at work, 
and mak'ing good progress. 

Dr. Hakes reported favorable action on the labors of 
his committee on historical data in fixing the location of 
old forts and roads, and that they are preparing a map 
to be exhibite.l showing the houses and cleared farms in 
the \alle\' of a hundred _\ears ago; also of the old SuUi- 
\'an road, made in 1779. 

Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Committee on iMuance, 
explained his \iews of the ways and means of meeting 
the expenses of the unc^ertaking, and asketl for informa- 
tion as to how much the association intended to e.xpenei. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was 

/vr.sv-'/rvv/. That the chairmen of the several committees 
be instructed to report to the Chairnitin of the I^^inance 
Committee the amount ot funds recpured for the use of 
each of such committees, and that tiie Chairman of the 
Finance Cominittee report at the next meeting the ag- 
gregate of such amounts, and that the expenditure be 
limited to the sums so reported; with a recommendation 



48 MEDALS — INDIANS. 

of the Chairman of the Finance Committee as to the 
mode of raising the required funds. 

On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was ordered that the 
amount to be expended shall not exceed $3,000. 

Mr. Atherton asked for instructions as to the amount 
to be expended on buildings. Direfted to report esti- 
mates of his committee. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was 

Resolved, That a committee of ladies be appointed to 
aft conjointly with the committee already appointed on 
decorations. 

Ordered that the chair appoint such additional mem- 
bers to the number of seventeen. 

Mr. Parsons, on Music, reports that his committee has 
a6led in the matter, and have chosen as Musical Direftor 
Prof. C. B. Derman; Prof. Coggswell has been chosen 
Direftor of Bands; and that they '-"ad requested the 
Committee on Hymns to invite composers of music to 
arrange the rhythm in the choral style. 

Mr. Harrison Wright, Chairman of the Committee on 
Medals, submitted samples of two st)'les of commemora- 
tive medals in bronze or silv^er, and the cost of the same. 

The committee was directed to aft finally, and to pro- 
cure the medals. 

Mr. George M. Richart introduced Mr. John Billings, 
an Indian of the Onondaga Tribe, who came all the wa\' 
from his home to attend this meeting. He said it it is 
deemed advisable, that not less than fifty Indians in their 
native costume would attend on the 3d of Jul\-, accom- 
panied by their brass band, and thus add greatly to the 
scenic effeft. He said his tribe numbered about four 
hundred. The name of their head chief is Thomas 
Webster, and his post-office address is Onondaga Castle, 
Onondaga county, New York. 

On motion of Judge Osterhout, of Tunkhannock. the 
Committee on Procession was direfted to confer with 
Chief Webster on the subjeft of sending a delegation. 



M1:ET1NG Al FOKTV FOKF. 49 

This will be a pleasant feature in the commemorative 
service, where Indians in their war paint and feathers 
will commingle freely with the descendants of those pale 
faces whose fathers met in deadly confli6l on the same 
ground one hundred years ago theancestors of these now 
civilized red men, who appear here by special invitation to 
render the commemorative s^rvi:e^ more true to nature. 

The Committee on Historical D.ita was directed to 
procure a map of the country as it was in 1778, and re- 
imburse itself for the expense by a sale of the maps. 

Adjourned to meet on the 31st day of Januarr next, 
at the same place, at 10 o'clock A. M. 

MEKriNG AT FORTY FORT. 

On January ist 1878, a large concourse of citizens as- 
sembled on this historic spot, under the auspices of the 
Association, to witness the ceremonies of inaugurating 
the opening of the centenary year, and as preliminary to 
the more imposing ones expe6led on the 3d of July. 
The Wyoming Artillerists' battery of four guns, was pos- 
ted, one piece at each of the two eastern angles, and two 
in the centre of the Old Fort. 

President Dorrance called the people to assemble at 
the foot of the flag staff, and Dr. Hakes was invited to 
discourse upon the object and signification of t,he meeting. 
He said it was to awaken in the minds of the citizens a 
more acflive interest in the service to be held on the bat- 
tle ground on the 3d of July, and as this was the spot on 
which that desperate resolve was made to meet the ene- 
my in the field, and the place from which the little arm\' 
of farmer soldiers marched on that fatal da\', it is there- 
fore right and proper that it should witness this first 
grand gathering of the people assembled to honor that 
event one hundred years after the conflift. It is desired 
to make the third of Jul\' 1878, one almost as worthx' 
of a place in the historx' of the Vallew as is the 3d of the 
year 1778. We expe6l to witness an immense assem- 
bling of people from all parts of the countr\- on that day. 



50 .\r!-:i:riN(: at forty fort. 

lo ilo honor to the memory of our dead who rest beneath 
yonder monumental shaft. We hope to make it such a 
day to be remembered, as Wyoming has not seen since 
tiie day of horror a hundred years ago. We expe6t to see 
a hundre 1 thousand people gathere.l on the battle field 
on that morning, and from what I see and hear around 
me, I feel assured tliat we will not be disappointed. But 
in order to accomplish this, we must not relapse into ap- 
allvv'; we must arc^use the patriotic sentiment in the hearts 
oT our countrymen, and we must be prepared to show that 
vve are going to place before the multitude such an e.xhi- 
bition as is hot likely to occur again, at least not until 
the end of the next century, and that this is their last 
chance of witnessing so grand a reverential display. We 
mtist agitate the matter — agitate — agitate, keep the thing 
red hot, and all will be well. 

Col. Samuel Bowman upon being called to the front, 
complimented the Artillerists, as being the first in the 
field to fire a shot for Old Wyoming, and said it warmed 
iiis heart to witne??s so o\crwhelming a demonstration at 
this opening of the* centennial year. 

Hubbard B. P.i\-nc expressed his gratification at the 
livel\' interest this thing is awakening in the hearts of the 
entire people, and as the time for aftion has now arrived 
on the part of the military, he proposed that Capt. Parker 
direct the gunners to let their Artiller\' open their brazen 
mouths and speak in tones of thunder of the brave men, 
whose memory we have met here to honor. 

At a given signal the four pieces belched forth a salute 
of a hundred guns to correspond with this, the centen- 
nial \ear alter the battle. Alter whicb a bountiful repast, 
prepared l.)' the ladies of Forty Fort, was partaken of b\- 
the multitude. The "Old Sullivan gun" broken oft" below 
the trunions was brought out and several shots were fired 
to show that she is not yet entirely silenced. This gun 
w.is l)rouy;ht over the mountains from Easton by Gen'l 
Sullivan in 1779, and left buried on the Denison farm near 




7r^£c^ yW/^ 



^ t^ji^.'irJ'X^ 



MF.ETINC: AT I'OUTV FOUr. 51 

by, as being too heavy to be conve\'ed in tlie small boats 
used in his expedition of that year against the Indians in 
the State of New York, It was in the year 1840. while 
firing a 4th of July salute at Wyoming, that this old rel- 
ic had the misfortune to be blown assunder and more than 
halt of the muzzle end was scattered among the crowd, 
but no injury was done, other than the cutting o'T a large 
limb from a neighboring apple tree. 

President Dorrance being loudl\' called tor, responded 
very handsomely, and said he felt prou:l to see that the 
people of Wyoming still cherished the memor\- ot the 
men of the past 78, and he now had no fe:ir that the ap- 
proaching memorial of the present '78 will be an e\'ent 
not to be soon forgotten. 

Secretary Johnson was also called out. He. said he was 
not an orator to stir the hearts of the multitude with 
words of burning eloquence, as tiie gentleinen who had 
preceded him were able to do. Nor was he descended 
from a line of illustrious heroes, nor from a vi6lim in that 
death struggle of a hundred years ago, as some of the 
gentlemen here could claim, if their modesty did not 
forbid such an assumption. But being calle 1 out as a 
descendant of the men of 1778. he would frankly confess 
that his ancestor was not a man of brawn and bone, 
whose good or bad fortune it was to do deeJs of noble 
daring on the battle field, as he had been informed, but 
rather it was his office to follow in the path of slaughter. 
to soothe the dying, bless the dead, and comfort the 
widow and the fatherless through the consolation of 
religion, as given to us by the word of God, and point 
the way to that hea\en of rest, where wars are no more, 
and all is rest and peace. So in t'ais task which we have 
undertaken in preparing the commemorative service, he 
was placed in merely a clerical positu)n, and it is left (or 
others of more daring and energetic natures to acl in 
marshaling the forces, and leading them on to vi6lor\- or 
defeat. But it will not fail. This is a measure that was 



52 RKi'LFKS PROM THK POKTS. 

not born to die; but as my friend Dr. Hakes has well 
said, we must keep the thing "red hot" before the people 
and the press, which I, in a humble way, represent, will 
not f'dl to do its share in awakening an interest therein. 
COXSIDKKTNC; THK WAYS AND MEANS. 

The Kxecutive Committee met at the Arbitration 
room, at lO o'clock A. M., on Saturday, the 31st of Jan- 
uary. Besides the chairmen of the several committees, 
who constitute the Executive Committee, there were 
present a large number of citizens not of the association. 

The chairman stated the objeft of the meeting to be 
to receive reports of committees as to the probable 
amount of funds required, and the ways and means for 
raising the same, after having disposed of less weighty 
matters. 

Replies fcom Henry VV. Longfellow, John G. Whittier, 
and Bayard Taylor were then read by General Dana, 
Chairman of Committee on Orations and Poems, in an- 
swer to propositions to them on the subject of preparing 
a suitable poem to be read on the occasion, in which 
they all declare their inabilit}- to comply with the re- 
quirements of the committee. 

Mr. Taylor suggests that poems are not to be manu- 
faftured to order, like articles of merchandise, and 
although he had the honor of preparing the one for the 
opening of the Centennial Exhibition, at Philadelphia. 
he did not feel himself competent to undertake the prep- 
aration of one for this, as perhaps more might be ex- 
pected of him than he was competent to perform. Great 
poems, even from great poets, of which he did not claim 
to be one, are not of every day occurrence. The divine 
inspiration of the poet must come unsought, for labored 
efforts are too methodical to touch a responsive chord in 
the hearts of an enthusiastic people. 

Dr. Hollister, on Historical Colleftions, reports that 
his committee is progressing finely, and have alread\' ob- 
tained plenty of m.'.lerial lo uuikc .1 wduable exhibit. 



COUNTINC; THE COST. 53 

Dr. Hakes produced a sketch of a map of the country as 
it was a hundred years ago, showing the improvements, \f 
roads, fortifications, etc., which he explained in detail. 
This will be handsomely engraved, and ready for distri- 
bution before the 3d. 

Rev. David Craft, of Wyalusing, gave some reminis- 
cences of Colonel John Franklin, who a6led a prominent 
part here, but died in Bradford county. His friends will 
prepare a sketch of his life, to be illustrated by a steel 
engraving, and this will also form a contribution to the 
historical colleftions. 

Mr. Jenkins, on Museum of Antiquities, reports that 
his department will not require over $100 for the ereftion 
of a suitable building in which to displa\' the magnificent 
collection of Indian relics, probably the most extensive 
in the United States. 

Mr. Corey, on Buildings, estimates that $300 will be 
required in his department. 

Gen. Hoyt, on Procession, reported that there will be 
required for livery hire for invited guests $100; for six 
bands of music, $600; for getting up a trades" procession, 
$500; for subsistence of 2.000 troops two days. $2,000; 
in all, $3,200. The Grand Army of the Republic will 
also have from 1 .000 to 1,500 veterans on the ground. 

The report was approved, and ordered to be carried 
into execution, so far as prafticable. 

Mr. Atherton, on Grounds, reported that the fair 
grounds, not under cultivation, could be had free of 
charge, so far as the uncultivated ground was concerned. 
If all is required, he estimates the paying for growing 
crops and preparing grounds at $150. 

The report was approved, and the committee direfled 
to a6l. 

Mr. VVisner, on Decorations, reported his estimate of 
j)robable expense at $300. 

Report approved, and committee direfted to execute 
iletails; cost not to exceed $300. 



54 COUNTINCi THK COST 

It was said that the descendants of Anderson Dana, 
one of the vi6lims of the massacre, desired to present in 
the name of these famiHes to the association a memorial 
flag, ah-eady procured, and which it is intended to hoist 
on a suitable flag-staff at Old Fort\' Fort on the 22cl of 
February next. 

Dr. Hollister said the idea was a good one, and he 
hoped this a6lion of the descendants of one of the earl\- 
settlers will stiniulate others to make contributions, and 
offered the followed, resolution, which was adopted unan- 
imously: 

"That the flag presented by the ladies of the Parsons 
and Dana families to the association, to be used at the 
One Hundredth Anniversary of the Battle and Massacre 
be accepted, and used as indicated, and that the thanks 
of the association be tendered them for their thoughtful 
and patriotic gift." 

It was found, upon footing up the items as submitted 
by the several sub-committees, that at least $4,500 would 
be required to defray the e.xpense of the undertaking. 
These estimates were considered too low, and Dr. Hakes 
moved that the Finance Committee be requested to pro- 
vide the sum of six thousand dollars to meet the neces- 
sary expenses. 

Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Finance Committee, 
said we should not fix the sum too low. and that was 
the opinion oi' another member of the committee now 
here, Mr. John Welles Hollenback. We will probablx- 
find that we will not raise any more than is asked for, 
though the expense m:\v be much greater. We had 
better not start out with the idea that an\' considerable 
help will come from outside ol our own coun.tw We 
must make up our minds to meet it ourselves, and pro- 
vide for it. 

The President said he was gla 1 to hear such a senti- 
ment from the Chairman of the Finance Committee, and 
as that was probabl\' the unanimous sentiment of the 



MEDALS. 55 

entire committee, he thought we need have no fear of 
the result. 

Mr. Corey said he never knew a celebration that the 
cost did not exceed the estimates. Thinks $6,ooo is not 
a high estimate. It will probably cost more than that. 

Dr. Hakes said we don't want the idea to go abroad 
that this is to be a money making scheme for anybody. 
We are not going to employ hired mourners to attend 
our funeral. People must come at their own expense, or 
not at all. We think it due to the old patriots that we, 
their successors in this beautiful valley, should devote 
one day in a hundred years to honoring their valor and 
their memorw I am in favor of keeping down the ex- 
pense to a reasonable amount. 

The resolution, as finally passed, was, that the Finance 
Committee be requested to raise as much as $5,000, but 
they are not limited to that amount, and if more is re- 
quired, let it be obtained if possible. 

On motion of Mr. Core>', it was 

Rcsj'vcd. That the Committee on Invitations be in- 
structed to invite Gen. Samuel Thomas as an honorary 
guest. 

This is thtj "Captain Thomas" mentioned in the old 
poem on the shooting' of James Bird, which runs: 

'•.\m()n;..;st the trojps iliat marclied to Erie 

Were the Kingston Vohin tears, 
C'aptain Thomas them coinmanded, 
' To protect our west frontiers." 

Mr. Harrison Wright, on Medals, being unable to 
attend, sent in for inspection of the Executive Committee 
drawings of appropriate medcds proposed to be struck 
with a cut of the same. It was suggested that, as the 
design represented the murder of women ^and children, 
it was therefore not true to nature. It was proposed 
that a change be made in accordance with the fafts of 
history. 

Adjourned to meet on I^'riday, the 1st da)' of March, 
at the same place, at 10 o'clock A M. 



56 rHK POETS. 

INTERESTING MEETING. 

A meeting was held at the Arbitration room, at 10 
o'clock A. M., on March ist. Col. Dorrance, President, 
in the chair. 

Judge Dana, on Orations and Poems, reported verbally 
that Dr. Henry Coppee. of the Lehigh University, has 
accepted an invitation to read a poem, and that it is 
already in course of preparation. Mrs. Harriet Gertrude 
Waters (Stella of Lackawanna) is preparing an ode for 
the occasion. Also, Miss Susan ¥.. Dickinson has con- 
sented to favor us with one of her exquisite pieces. 
Some original hymns of merit have also been submitted 
to the committee, but as to these no public a6lion can 
be taken at present. 

Mr. Jenkins said the opinion has gone abroad that the 
collecftion of Indian relics in his possession is to be 
exhibited as a part of the demonstration. If it is so 
desired by the association, he is not averse to the mea- 
sure, although the labor of removal and arrangement 
will devolve entirely on himself, as he would not dare 
to trust these relics in other hands. He has the largest 
colle6lion of these relics of any in the United States, 
with the e.xception of that of his friend, Dr. Hollister, 
and the Doctor is such an eager antiquarian in this 
direftion that he is fearful that the disproportion between 
the two collections might increase very much to the ad- 
vantage of his rival archaeologist. 

Dr. Hollister signified his willingness to exhibit his 
colle6lion side by side with that of Mr. Jenkins, and good 
humoredly retorted upon the latter by saying that it was 
a remarkable fixS. that the same idea had struck him. 
only in his mind the parties were reversed. However, 
as he would watch o\er his colle6lion personall\', he 
thought he might safely risk their exhibition, and that 
he would be able to keep even witii the Wvoming 
Antiquar\" in the matter of ■"increase." 



PRESIDF.NT HAYES. 57 

Mr. Pettebone reported that his Committee on r'inance 
had taken no a61:ion as yet, but wlien the proper time 
arrives he had no fear that the means of payini^ expenses 
will be provided. 

Col. Wright, Chairman of the Committee on Reception, 
was not present, but Col. Dorrance stated he had just 
returned from Washington, and in compan\- with Col. 
Wright they had waited on President Haves. The ques- 
tion of the massacre having been introduced, the Presi- 
dent stated that he had often felt a desire to visit the 
far-famed Wyoming Valley, and expressed his determi- 
nation to be present at the one hundred \-ear anniversary 
exercises next July, if he can possiblx' spare the time 
without neglefting his public duties. If Congress shall 
not be in session at that time, he will surely attend. 

Dr. Hakes suggested that Congress seemed to be get- 
ting on cjuite comfortably without the P^xecutive sanation 
to some of its acts. 

Mr. Atherton asked for information whether stands for 
the sale of refreshments are to be permitted on the 
grounds; and if so, whether the privilege of setting them 
up would be let to persons for hire. 

This matter was considered as entirely within the 
jurisdi6lion of the Committee on Grounds. The senti- 
ment of the General Committee seemed to be unani- 
mous that the sale of into.xicating liquors should not be 
allowed. 

Mr. Fuller read a letter from Prof Derman, in which 
he says he will give his attention to the preparation ot 
the music if his expenses of travel, etc., can be provided 
for. The committee was authorized to aft as they may 
think proper. 

On motion of Mr. Chapman, it was 

Resolved, That the chairmen of the several sub-com- 
mittees be requested and directed to report in writing at 
the next general meeting programmes of the proceedings 
intencied to be carried out in their several departments 



58 [fISTORICAL SOCIKTIKS. 

at the annivc-rsary exercises, in order tliat the same may 
be finally afted upon. 

On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was 

Rrso/vcit That an invitation be extended to the Con- 
nefticut Historical Society, the Pennsylvania Historical 
Societ)', the Dauphin County historical Society, the 
Bradford Count)' Historical Societ>', and the Wj'oming- 
Historical Society, and other kindred Societies and asso- 
ciations, to join with us, and request thrit the}' be_ repre- 
sented on that occasion in such manner as shall seem 
most ajjpropriate to them. 

Mr. Billings, the Onondaga Indian, who proposed to 
attend with a delegation irom his tribe, has written to 
Mr. lenkins to know \wiat action will be taken with 
regard to their attendance at the commemorative ex- 
ercises. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, it was 

Rcs"l-i'('(t That Chief Thomas Webster be written to, 
in order to learn what will be the probable expense, and 
how many of the braves can be induced to come here if 
it is decided to bring them at all. 

Adjourned to meet .it the same place on Thursda}-, 
the 28th insl.. at lO o'clock A. M 

(■ONSIl)i':RIN(; ''KrORTS. 

At the meeting of March 28th, ordered for the pui'pose 
of receiving and coiisidering reports under Mr. Chapman's 
resolution, the I'resident. Col. Dorrance, called the meet- 
ing to order. 

The Chairman on .\ddres-;es, (ien. Dana, submitted 
the following report, which w.is chrecled to be receix'etl 
and filed: 

"1st. That Steuben Jenkins, M^q., has been selected 
to ileliver the historical aildrcss on the 3dof Jul\-; the 
Re\'. Willi.im 1'. Abbott to (leli\er a national address on 
the 4th; that an inxatation has been sent to Gen. Joseph 
R. Hawley, of Conne6licut, to make'a prefatory address 
on the 4th. but no answer has been recei\'ed. 



COMM IT TKK R KPORTS. 



59 



■■ 2d. Thai in compli.iiicc with invitations extended to 
them therefor, Mrs. Harriet G. Watres, Miss Susan E. 
Dickinson, and Mr. Caleb 1'^ Wright have each promised 
original odes, to be sung during the exercises, which 
have been phace 1 in tlie iiands of the Chairman of the 
Music Committee; that Mr. [enkins has also written an 
ode, but has not \'et furnished the committee (Mr. Par- 
sons) with a copy; Mrs. Mar\' Richait has also com- 
menced a poem to be read. 

"3d. The committee further reports that Rev. Henr\' 
Coppee, LL. I) , of the Lehigh Universit}-, agreeable to 
invitation, is preparing a descriptive poem, to be read on 
the 3d; that invitations were also sent to Mr. Ta\lor, 
Mr. Longfellow, and Mr. Whittier, but were severall\- 
declined; that the Hon. Sylvester D.ma, of Concord, 
N. H., was invited to attend the celebrati<in, and delixer 
a brief address on the 3d, and that he has consented 
to be present; that the Hon. Hendrick B. Wright has 
been invited, and has consented to deliver the reception 
address at the opening of the proceedings on the morn- 
ing of the 3d. 

"4th. The committee estimate the expenses conne6led 
with its department of the celebration at $200." 

After the reading of the report. Gen. Hoyt stated that 
a letter had been received from Gen. Hawlex', in which 
he was please.l to express a provisional acceptance ot 
the invitation, and will be present unless detained abroad 
longer than he intends to remain. 

Dr. Hollister, Chairman of Committee on Historical 
Data, subniitted the following, which was received and 
hied : 

" The duties of the Committee on Historical Docu- 
ments do not relate to the exercises of the day, but to 
the gathering of papers, data, manusciipt, and fragments 
of Wyoming history hitherto unpublished. The com- 
mittee will discharge these functions, and on the 3d of 
Jul}- exhibit the result of their labor in the agricultural 



60 RATI. ROAD FARiS. 

buililings at VVxomint^-, considerable of which is now in 
possession of the committee. Such exhibit, in connection 
with two of the largest architological collections in 
America, will be open to the public free of charge." 

Mr. Jenkins submitted the following report, which was 
ordered to be received and filed: ■ 

"Th.it untler the instructions of the association we 
have made arrangements for having on exhibition in the 
main building on the grounds the very large and com- 
plete collections of Indian relics owned by Dr. Hollister 
and Steuben Jenkins respe6lively, together with such 
historical and other articles of interest conne6led with 
the early settlement of ti.L- valley as can be obtained for 
that purpose, manv of which have been tendered to the 
committee lor use on that occasion." 

Mr. Palmer, on behalf of the Committee on Transpor- 
tation, submitted the following, wdiich was diredled to be 
received and tiled: 

"That at the request of Stanle\' Woodward, Esq., 
Chairman, I wrote lo the proper officers of the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, Central Railroad of New Jersey, Dela- 
ware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, and Delaware 
and Hudson Canal Company, and have received answers 
from all. The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company 
propose to carry passengers to and from the celebration 
at half fare. All the other companies propose to charge 
two cents per mile for the distance tra\eled." 

The Chairman on h'inance, Mr. Pettebone, was una- 
voidably absent, but Col. Dorrance stated that the work 
of obtaining funds is begun, and subscriptions amounting 
to from $1,500 to $1,800 are already obtained. 

Mr. Wisner, on Decorations, made the following report, 
which was accepted: 

"Your Committee on Decorations report the following- 
plan of aftion, subjeft to approval: 

" Ereft liberty pole, w^ith flag at half-mast, on monu- 
ment grounds. Ere6l four poles, one at each corner of 



DECORATIONS — INVITED GUESTS. 6l 

the monumeiU, and trim the same with evergreens and 
bhick cambric. Motto, 'Tlie illustrious dead whose 
memory we cherish.' 

" Put up archwa)' at entrance, festooned with e\'er- 
greens and flowers. At main entrance to fair grounds 
large archways, with evergreens and small flags. Motto, 
■ \V\oming welcomes her guests.' 

"Two large liberty poles, with flags. Speakers' stand 
trimmed with evergreens, festooned with flowers, and 
interspersed with flags. Motto, 'We greet oiu' distin- 
guished guests.' 

" Main building — Flag on present staff, with small flags 
nailed to outside of building. Interior — Numerous small 
flags; festooning with evergreens and flowers as liberal 
as our means and the patronage of our citizens will war- 
rant; also, display as man}^ paintings and other emblem.s 
suitable to the occasion as we can procure. 

"We also contemplate the ereftion of two triumphal 
arches across the main street leading to the grounds, if 
we can interest our Wyoming friends sufficiently to war- 
rant the undertaking. The log cabin we thought should 
remain in its unadorned simplicitw" 

On motion of Mr. Wisner, Mr. J. H. Hawkins was sub- 
stituted on his committee in place of Mr. Price, who has 
moved awa)-. 

Judge Harding reported verbally that he had "'already 
extended invitations to several civic societies, but he had 
not invited any privileged guests, such as the President 
of the United States or Governors of States. We should 
first iM'ovide for their entertainment in a suitable manner 
as representative men of the nation. We have before us 
one prospe61:ive Governor (General Ho\t), and I have no 
doubt he will do his share as a citizen, and in a way that 
becomes a candidate for f)ffice. If I am instru6led b\' 
tiie association to extend formal invitations, I will begin 
at once; but 1 want the financial question settled now. 
The fire dejoartment of the se\eral cities will be an im- 



62 MUSIC — fM^OCESSION. 

portant feature, and I think the Wilkesbarrc firemen 
will take care of this branch of our guests. I see the 
Chief Engineer of our excellent P'ire Department 
(Mr. Woodward) is present, and I know he will never 
permit a brother fireman to go away hungr\'." 

" Nor dry- either," said Mr. Woodward. 

Judge Harding accepted the amendment with th.mks 
on behalf of the firemen. 

Dr. H. Hollister said it would be a ver\' penurious 
President or Governor of a State who would come here 
on this occasion, and then ask the citizens to defray his 
expenses. It would be proper for our citizens to invite 
these gentlemen to their homes, and he had no doubt 
Judge Harding would cheerfully entertain the President 
should he determine to attend. 

Mr. Jenkins said there must be some expense attend- 
ing this committee, and he thought a proper subjeft t"or 
a report of estimates from the chairman. 

C.dv'in Parsons, on Music, reported as follows: 

"Prof Derman will be prepared with a choir of about 
two hundred and ll[t\- \'oiccs to sing three hymns, and 
propose to close the exercises of the dav with the long 
metre do.vology, accompanie;! b\' the audience, bands, 
and cannon, to the tune of Old Hundred. 

" Prof. Coggswell will be prepared to accompan\' the 
vocal music with a band of say sixt}- pieces, and will pla\' 
as man_\' other sele6lions as ma\' be desired. These 
seleftions, being of a classical order, will occupy about 
ten minutes in their performance." 

Gen. Hoyt, on Procession, made, the following re{)ort. 
which was ordered to be recei\'ed aiul filed: 

"The Committee on Procession desire to report finally 
that they have arranged the following programme for 
Jul)- 4th: Procession to take place in WilkeSbarre, 
about 10 (Vclock A M , to consist of seven divisions. 
f.-jt. Military. 2d. Grand Arm\- of the Republic Posts. 
3d. VetiM-;in Associations. 4th. h'iremen. 5th. Father 



INVITATIONS— PRIVATE GUESTS. 63 

Matthew Societies. 6th. Other Civic Societies. 7th. 
Art and Mechanical l'2\hibits. 

"They have designated Col. Stanley Woodward as 
Chief Marsiial, with power to appoint all marshals of 
(.iivision*s, assistant marshals, and aids, and to arrange all 
details. 

"Large delegations in all the divisions have already 
offered to join in the parade. Many associations will 
wait formal invitations. We suggest that Col. Wt')od- 
ward be authorized to use the name of the Committee on 
Invitations according to his discretion; and that the 
General Committee give a public invitation to all organ- 
ized bodies of men in this region to join in the demon- 
stration. We have .dready estimated the cost of this 
parade at ^^3,500, including rations for 2,000 troops, music 
$600, and mechanical parade $500. It is not understood 
that citizens in Wilkes-Rarre will undertake to supply 
any rations or fc^od on the day of the procession." 

On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was 

Reso/i'i-^/, That a general invitation be extended to all 
civil and iTiilitary organizations and associations within 
the State, an;l particularlv within the bounds of Luzerne, 
Bradford, Susc[uehanna, and Wyoming counties, to be 
present at our exercises; and that the appropriate chair- 
man of the respe6live committees be rec]uested to e.xtend 
a special invitation to each of said organizations and 
associations; and th<it the associations designing to at- 
tend be recjuested to give notice to the Committee on 
Invitations. 

On motion of General Hoyt, it was 

R(\so/vc(t That the Chairman of the General Committee 
on Invitations be instructed to procure 2,000 neatlv' en- 
graved cards of invitation, to be distributed under the 
direfltions of the General Committee to citizens desiring 
to invite oriwite guests to the occasion, and that a list 
of such invitations be handed to the Secretarv. 

Gen. Hovt said that Mr. Charles Law, of Tittston, is 



64 PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS. 

now having made an elegant silk flag of American man- 
ufafture, at a cost of not less than $200, to be presented 
to the fire company making the best dispku' at the 
parade on the 4th. 

Mr. Law, being called upon, explained his views, and 
proposed to procure also a silk button-hole badge suitable 
for the day, to be sold at a low rate. 

Referred to the Committee on Medals and Badges, of 
which Harrison Wright is chairman. 

On motion of Judge Dana, it was 

, Resolved, That the Committee on Publications, in 
conjun6lion with the Secretary of the association, be au- 
thorized to colle6l and arrange in book form the entire 
a6lion of all meetings of this association from its incep- 
tion, and that they be authorized to employ some suita- 
ble person to assist in doing the work. 

Adjourned to meet on Thursday, the 25th of April, at 
the Arbitration room, at 10 o'clock A. M. 
PREPARINC THE MEANS. 

The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration 
room, in Wilkesbarre, on the morning of April 25, (878. 

Col. Dorrance, the President, called the meeting to 
order, and stated in his decisive but pleasant manner 
that he had heard from outside reports that the Finance 
Committee was not meeting with the success we had 
hoped in procuring funds to defray the expense attend- 
ing our proposed memorial and celebration. It is too 
late now to stop and count the cost. We arc fully com- 
mitted to the work in hand, and the time has now arrived 
for the real friends of "Old W\-oming" to put their hands 
in their pockets and show b\' their a6ls that they are 
sincere in this matter, and that the)' are not parading 
their patriotism in the newspapers for effeft, and to gain 
a little momentar\- notoriety. "We of the P2xecutive 
Committee," said the President, "who ha\'e undertaken 
to honcM- our ancestors by giving to the public a memo- 
rial service worth)' of the name, are abundantly able to 



rONTRlBUTIONS. 65 

conduct it to a successful issue, an.l we are going to do 
Jt, though not one dollar shall be contributed outside 
of the association. I, for one, am not going to falter 
when it becomes a question of a fjvv paltrv- dollars and 
cents, and I think I speak the sentiment of a majority of 
the committee. I am willing to go as tar in this direc- 
tion as any member of the committee, or any one else 
I want to hear no more of doubt or distrust of the success 
of the memorial for lack of means to pay the expenses." 

These brave words from the President had a marked 
effeft upon the members present, and aided very mate- 
rially in settling the financial question, that up to this 
time did not seem so clear as it should have done. 

Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Finance Committee, 
said: "This committee has not made very satisfa6lory 
progress, and it is true we have not met with the success 
we expecSted in some quarters. The committee, since its 
first organization, have made no strenuous efforts to 
secure subscriptions. He desired to report progress by 
laying before the General Committee the result of their 
labor as far as they have progressed. In accordance 
with the suggestions of the President, he proposed now 
to begin at home by giving the persons here who are 
interested in the matter in hand an opportunity to sig- 
nify the extent of their willingness to contribute." 

The book, upon being passed around, contained many 
proffered contributions, ranging from $25 to $300. 

Col. Dorrance said: "This is a good beginning, and 
the thing must go through, and in the manner we have 
set out to do it. We are not to be discouraged when we 
find a few men differing with the rest of us. (Jnanimit)' 
is not to be expe6led in this world, and though we may 
regret that some men, abundantly able to contribute, 
may refuse to do so, yet thanks to the inexhaustible 
wealth of this valley of ours, which those men of old laid 
down their lives to defend, it must certainly be that 
there are enougrh of the same stock left to see to it that 



66 Tfri-: H(>^■s wii.i. (^ki.kbrate. 

no such word as failure shall be written in the record of 
this association." 

Mr. Woodward said: "Almost all questions have two 
sides, and some ev^en more. I am in favor of having a 
commemorative service at the graves of our wives' an- 
cestors on the one hundredth anniversary of the day on 
which they patriotically offered up their lives in defense 
of this fair valley; and I am in favor of having a fine cel- 
ebration on the 4th, after we have duly attended the ob- 
sequies of our honored dead, for you know it is to the 
solemn notes of the 'Dead March' that we go to the 
grave of a deceased comrade, but return playing 'The 
Girl I Left Behind Me;' and if the General Committee 
cannot furnish the requisite funds for the 4th of July cel- 
ebration in this city, then the boys will do it, for we are 
going to have a big parade and a big show on that day. 
There will be some expense attending it, but the boys 
will see that these expenses are met. We are going to 
have a splendid pageant — tableau.x of a hundred years' 
progress. It is inevitable, and let it come — but I don't 
think that remark is hardly original with me. First we 
will have the wild and savage Iroquois Indian in his tent 
of skins; his arms, the simple bow and arrows. Then the 
zealous Christian missionary, Zinzendorf, with snakes 
crawling out of his boots — but not from the effe6l of bad 
whiskey. Then the old settlers in home-spun attire and 
the old fire-lock of the past. Then the Pennamite and 
Yankee war — the traditionally lean Yankee and the 
rotund Quaker contending for the master\- in this valley. 
The revolutionary period will be represented in character. 
The first attempt to burn anthracite coal, with Jesse Fell 
blowing up the fin; in the grate, down at the Old Fell 
House. A Canestoga wagon on its way to Philadelphia 
for store goods. The war of 1812 to be full}- represented, 
as also the Mexican war, where our own Artillerists 
pla\ ed so conspicuous a piwi; and then the present con- 
('.ilion with mercantile ,ind mechanical dis[)lays; also, the 



SALE OF RKFRF.SHMKNTS. 6/ 

future with a big wagon lo:\(led with mortgages fifteen 
feet high, all satisfied, and a tall pole with the emblem- 
atic goose and everything lovely when we have free gas, 
free water, and free lunches. The procession will be 
about five miles long, and we will h ive such a jubilee as 
old Wilkesbarre has never \-et witnessed." 

Mr. Jenkins said: "The onl\- tlifficult)' about funds 
will be for the grand parade on the 4th. and I am glad 
that the young men have taken this m itter up in earnest, 
and if they are determine i there can be no question even 
as to that." 

The plan contemplated an exhibition of firewtirks on 
the 4th, and on motion of Dr. HoUister, it was 

Rrsoh'ed, That the committee be instrufted to ascer- 
tain the cost of suitable fireworks, and to report the 
same at the next meeting. 

On motion of Judge Dana, it was 

Resolved, That the Committee on Music be authorized 
and direfted to place four bands of music at the disposal 
of Col. Woodward, the Chief Marshal of the day. 

Mr. O'Malley, of the Committee on Buildings, reported 
that it would cost about $60 to ere6l a booth with seats 
for five hundred guests for dinner, and for a platform 
30x50 feet, $62.75. 

On motion of Dr. Hakes, it was 

Resolved, That the Committee on Grounds be author- 
ized to let at a fixed rate the privilege of erecting stands 
for the sale of refreshments. 

It had been previously determined that no spirituous 
liquors were to be permitted to be offered for sale. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister. the name of J. C. Piatt, of 
Scranton, was added to the Committee on Antiquities. 

On motion of Mr. Chapman, the name of Bradley 
Downing, of West Pittston, was added to the Committee 
on Decorations. 

Mr. Harrison Wright. Chairman of the Committee on 
Order of Exercises, read a contemplated programme. 



68 F[IB[JCATIOX — OT)KS. 

but as it was not yet fully determined upon it was not 
filed and adopted. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That when this meeting' adjourns, it adjourn 
to meet at the same place on the rith o.f May next, and 
that after that day we meet once es/K:vy two weeks. 

Mr. C. E. Butler, Chairman of the Committee on Pub- 
lications, through Prof. W. J. Bruce, submitted , his report, 
which was ordered to be received and filed, with approval. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That the following recommendation of the 
committee be a6led upon at once; the chairman to pro- 
cure suitable circulars to be sent out without delay: 
"This committee further contemplates, as a portion of 
their duty, the drafting, in circular form, for immediate 
publicati m in the leading journals of the country a brief 
account of the proposed anniversary, and the efforts thus 
far put forth to secure its'perfefl success, to the end that 
a wider and more universal interest in the aporoaching 
event ma)' be e.xcited." 

Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the Music Committee, reports 
that his committee have completed their arrangements 
for the music. They have four original odes. One by 
Mrs. H. G. Watres, of Scranton; music by Prof. Derman, 
of Scra"nton. (^ne by Miss Susan K. Dickinson, of West 
Pitt'^ton; music by Prof. C. Pabst. of Wilkesbarre. One 
by Caleb K. Wright, l^^sq., of Do) lestown; music, Keller's 
American Hymn. One by Mr. Jenkins, of W\oming; 
music by Prof. Coggswell. Ihc committee, through 
Prof. Derman, have secured two iiundred and fifty sing- 
ers, ami four bands thr<High Prof. Coggswell. 

On motion of Col. Woodward, it was 

Resolved, That the Chairman of the Committee on 
liivitations be instructed to extend formal invitations to 
the President of the United States and to the several 
Governors of the original thirteen States to become our 
guests, and unite with us in our commemorate services. 



MAP OF rHH VALLEY. 69 

Dr. Hollister, Chairman of Committee on Historical 
Data, said he had received by express a box containing 
the original records of the colonies on the Delaware. 
They do not relate to our early settlements, but may be 
of considerable historical interest, and ought to be pre- 
served in some historical cabmet. The Doctor said he 
had already commenced the preparation for the removal 
of his Indian relics, to be exhibited at Wyoming, and 
that the combined museums ot Iiimself and Mr. Jenkins 
will form the largest colle61;ion of these relics in the 
country. 

Dr. Hake*^ exhibited an outline of the map he is having 
prepared, giving the topography of the more important 
localities in the valley, together with the clearings and 
buildings as they appeared a hundred years ago. He 
expe6ls to have it finished between the 1st and 15th of 
June. 

Adjourned until May iitii. 

THP: C1KCIIL.\R. 

In accordance with the recommendation of the Com- 
mittee on Publications, approved by the Executive Com- 
mittee at its last meeting, the following circular was 
prepared, and after being neatly printed on a full sheet 
of fine paper, with an appropriately displayed head-line, 
was extensively distributed, as recommended by the 
committee: 

riiere is a woman, widmved, gray, aiicl uld. 

Who tells you where the foot of battle stepped 
Upon their day of massacre. She told 

Its tale, and pointed to the spot, and wept. 

Whereon her father and five brothers slept 
Shroudless, the bright-dreamed slumbers of the brave, 

When all the land a funeral mourning kept, 
And there, wild laurels planted on the grave 
Rv Nature's hand, in air their pale red blossoms wave. 
.\nd t)n the margin of yon orchard hill 

Are marks where time-worn battlements iiave been. 
And in the tall grass traces linger still 

( )f "arrowy frieze and wedged javelin." 

I'ive hundred of her brave that valley green 



70 THK CIRCULAR. 

Trod on the morn in soldier-sjjirit gay; 

But twenty lived to tell the noon-day scene — 
And where are now the twenty? Passed away. 
Has Death no triumph-hours save on the battle day ? 

Fitz-Grke.\ Halleck. 

The 3d of July, 1878, will complete the century since 
the fearful battle and massacre of Wyoming desolated 
this fair valley. Historian and poet have alike preserved 
the pi6lure of that dark and bloody scene in all its lurid 
shades — the stern reality of fa6ls across which falls the 
glowing light of romance, making Wyoming's soil to be 
revered as classic and sacred ground. 

It is eminently fitting, then, as the hundred years are 
rounded up, that the descendants of those brave men 
should appropriately commemorate the day which saw 
their fathers seal their devotion to the cause of freedom 
in torture and death, and consecrate anew, with eloquence 
and song, the ground on which they were strewn in manly 
battle, or tortured and slain in treacherous surprise. 

In consonance with this, the 3d and 4th of July next 
will witness a memorial service in honor of the day and 
the heroic dead, worthy alike of the brave colonists and 
their children, and the quiet vales of Wyoming and the 
busy streets of Wilkesbarre will re-echo with the recital 
of the thrilling story bv orator and poet, with the thun- 
ders of artillery, with the tramp of thousands, and with 
the stirring music of martial melody. 

Over the plain where the battle commenced at historic 
Wintermute, ending at "Queen Esther's Bloody Rock," 
the procession will pass, listening to a descriptive ad- 
dress, while at the latter the oration will be delivered 
which tells of the surrender, the broken faith of the 
treaty, the horrid butchery, and the wild hurrying to and 
fro of the terror-stricken women and children and aged 
men to escape the torture of fire and the ruthless scalp- 
ing knife, and their initold sufferings as the\' buried 
themselves far over the mountain in the "Shades of 
Death. " At the monument, erefted bv the unselfish de- 



THH ( IRCULAK. 7I 

votion of the women of Wyoming nearly half a century 
ago, other and fitting exercises will be held, which will 
close the memorial service of the first day. 

On the second day, which happilv commemorates the 
nation's birthday, the scene will be transferred to the city 
of Wilkesbarre, then as now the important town of the 
valley. Here the memorial service will be transposed 
into one of celebration and fejoicing. that out of the 
suffering and affliction of that terrible day have come 
peace and prosperity, and out of its bitter defeat and 
cruel massacre a deathless vi6lory. The history of the 
vallf^y will be fitly and beautifully illustrated in a moving 
pageant, under the command of Col. Stanley Woodward 
as Chief Marshal, typifying the several important epochs, 
commencing with the aboriginal period, when the Leni 
Lenapes held possession of Wyoming by native descend- 
ants of that tribe. The introduction of Christianit}' by 
Zinzendorf will be portraved by the historical tent of 
skins, within which will be seen the Moravian pioneer 
and the legendary serpent, followed by groups represent- 
ing the struggl." known as the Pennamite war. In the 
Revolutionary period will be given the battle and mas- 
sacre, which will receive an added emphasis from the 
presence of the whole or a portion of the descendants of 
the Si.x Nations, who come from their reservation in 
New York to participate in the sham battle illustrative 
of the fierce struggle in which their fathers worked their 
cruel will a hundred \'ears ago. The first agricultural 
epoch will be followed by a tableau emblematic of the 
war of I Si 2. and this by one eminent!)' appropriate to 
the discover)' and use of anthracite coal, in which will be 
seen the irst grate ever useJ in the valley, filled with 
burning coal, before which the owner. Judge Fell, shall 
be seen persuading its combustion with a pair of bellows. 
The era of the post-rider and the old fashioned stage- 
coach will form a striking feature of the pageant, the 
driver, Jeff Swainbank. and his coach being the last to 



72 THE CIRCULAR. 

transfer passengers and mails ov'er the mountains prior 
to the coming of the "iron horse." Following this come.s 
the second agricultural, period, and that by the few brave 
survivors of the Mexican war, in which epoch Wyoming 
has a peculiar interest, in that the valley sent forth as 
her quota one company, — the Wyoming Artillerists, — of 
the two regiments furnished by the State. The late civil 
war will be properly represented, and the pageant will 
close with a tableau foretelling the future of the valley. 

In addition to this, which will be a living panorama of 
the history of Wyoming, there will be in the procession 
a vast multitude, consisting of thousands of military, the 
Grand A.rmy of the Republic from a hundred Posts, the 
fire departments of eastern Pennsylvania, societies of all 
degrees, and benevolent and trade associations of all 
kinds in immense numbers. If all come who have inti- 
mated their intention to do so, 50,000 strangers will visit 
Wyoming on these two centenary days. 

The distinguished guests who have been invited to 
honor the occasion by their presence, and have accepted, 
will include the President of the United States, the Gov- 
ernors of the original thirteen States, and many others, 
great by their abilities and honored by the countr}' for 
their services. 

Not among the least attra6live features of the memo- 
rial service will be the music, consisting of a choir of 300 
voices, and an orchestra of sixty pieces, while on the 
evenings of the two days Theodore Thomas will delight 
the people with his famous concerts in the city ol 
Wilkesbarre. 

The battle field and the entire plain of Wyoming will 
be restored, so far as pra6licable, to its primeval condi- 
tion. Old Forty Fort has been rebuilt, the block house 
and pallisades being an exaft fac-siniilc of the original 
in location and size, while dotting the river bank will be 
seen the log-huts of the colonists as the\- appeared in the 
olden time. 



THE CIRCULAR. 7*^ 

Adding greatly to the interest of the day at Wyoming 
will be the gratuitous display — the largest in the coun- 
try — of historical antiquities and Indian relics, which 
have all been gathered in the vallew and preserved with 
loving care by Hon. Steuben Jenkins and Dr. Horace 
Hollister. 

Following the great event, a detailed history of its 
proceedings, from the inception of the design to the clos- 
ing hours of the centenary service, will be published in 
substantial book form. 

The most ample provision has been made for the com- 
ing of our guests by greatly reduced rates of fare on all 
the lines of railroad passing through the valley, and for 
their comfort and convenience while here. 

The work necessary to the successful issue of the event 
has been performed by the several standing committees, 
the chairmen of which compose an executive committee, 
controlling the entire affair. 

This committee is composed of lineal descendants 
of the brave men whose death they seek to commemo- 
rate, and from the first meeting on the 3d of July. 1877. 
they have heartily given their time and energies to mak- 
ing the coming event an appropriate tribute to the mem- 
ory of their fathers. They invite the descenciants of the 
Wyoming colonists, wherever they be, to return to the 
home of their ancestors, and aid in commemorating their 
gallant services and heroic death, and to the people of 
the land W\'oming extends a cordial welcome on this 
day which recalls her baptism in blood. 

Chas. Dorranc-:, 
Ch airmail Excciiti^w Coinuuttci'. 

WkSI^EY JOHNSOxN. 

Sccrctar)'. 



{flSTOKUAI, CO LLKCTI (7 N'S. 



DISCUSSING THK WAYS AND MEANS. 

Tilt' Kxecutive Committee met at Court Room No. r. 
on Saturday, May iith, at lO o'clock A. M. President 
Dorrance, bein^i^ ab.sent from the county, Mr. Jenkins, 
one of the Vice-Presidents, was called to the chair. 

Mr. Pettebone, Chairman of the Finance Committee, 
reported that things moved slowly in his department. 
Many persons on whom the conu-nittee relied for liberal 
aid have thus far failed to meet our e.xpe6lations. The 
estimated expense of the undertaking is not less than 
$5,000. and tiius far we have only $2,545 pledged. He 
said he had expefted that comparatively a (e\v of our 
citizens, who are abundantly able to contribute from 
their mc.ms without material inconvenience, would fur- 
nish the requisite amount; but as we have thus far failed 
in this way, it will be necessary to resort to the other and 
less {)leasant mode of soliciting subscriptions in small 
sums from the people of the country. 

Judge Dana suggested that the h^inance Committee 
be requested to appoint canvassers for the various local- 
ities, and that they report at the next meeting, which 
will be held two weeks from to-day. 

Mr. Pettebone said he regretted that the canvass had 
not been as thorough as it should have been. We have 
nothing from Pittston and Scranton. and very little from 
Plymouth thus lar. 

Judge Dana offered the following, which was adopted: 

"The committees having in charge the arrangements 
for the proper obser\aiice of the Wyoming lOOth )'ear 
anniversary deem it important, as a matter of public in- 
terest, that in addition to the valuable and extensive 
colle6lions of Indian relics to be exhibited b}- Messrs. 
Jenkins and HoUister, there be also placed on public 
exhibition the collections of the Historical and Geological 
Society of Wyoming and that of Ralph D. Lacoe, Esq , 



MILITA'IY DISPLAY. 75 

of Pittston, an J any other persons having colle6tions 
illustrating the geology of the vallev. and papers in their 
possession relative to its local history; therefore, be it 

''Resolved, That this society be invited and requested 
to prepare ai\d open its rooms and collection for free ex- 
hibition on the 3d and 4th of July next, and that Mr. 
Lacoe and other persons possessing similar colle6lions 
be requested to exhibit the same those two days, either 
at the building at the fair grounds, or in the rooms of the 
society, as they may prefer." 

Gen. Osborne said that there seems to be no arrange- 
ments for a military display on the 3d, or anything con- 
nected with the proceedings on that day. As I under- 
stand it, the militar}' display is to be exclusively for the 
4th. You nave invited, or will invite, the President of 
the United States and other high officials of the nation, 
as well as the Governors of the States and the officers 
high in rank in the army of the country. In that case it 
will be proper and essential that they be received as be- 
comes their rank by a military display, and escorted to 
their several quarters antl to the scene of the service at 
Wyoming by the military. Less than thai would not be 
showing proper respeCl to their stations as officers and 
rulers of the nation. 

Mr. Parsons said it was understood and arranged that 
the military would form a part of the grand pageant, and 
that the artillery at least would form a part of the sym- 
phony in the grand hallelujah chorus to be performed at 
the foot of the monument. 

Mr. Atherton, Chairman of the Committee on (irounds, 
said that the question of the grounds should now be 
fixed. The lessee of the lands in the fair ground en- 
closure is holding the question open, and that no con- 
tra6l had as yet been made with him for the use of the 
same. He had conferred with Mr. Sharpe, the lessee, 
and that gentleman thinks he should be paid at least 
$175 for the use of the same. 



76 DisTiNCUisHFj) PKRSONS iNvrrp:r). 

Mr. Wisner thought this extortion, and suggested that 
the entire producl of the twenty acres for a year would 
not be worth one-half that amount. 

Mr. Pettebone .said he had a field of eight acres adjoin- 
ing the monument, and that he would put it in good 
condition, and the association could have the use of it 
free of cost. 

Mr. Wisner moved that Mr. Pettebone's liberal offer 
be accepted, and the services be all at the monument. 

Mr. Dana moved to amend by referring the whole 
matter to a committee, consisting of Messrs. Wisner, 
Corey, and Atherton, with power to a6l, and to report at 
the next meeting. 

Judge Harding, Chairman of the Committee on Invi- 
tations, reported that he had prepared, with the help of 
Mr. Bruce and Mr. Newhouse. a form of a letter of invi- 
tation, which has been printed in manuscript style as 
written by the eleftric pen. He had also prepared cards 
of invitation to be distributed, at the suggestion of Mr. 
Beardslee, a member of the committee. He had also 
written autograph letters of special invitation to the 
President of the United States, to the Governors of the 
original thirteen States, and to some other distinguished 
citizens, as direfted by the association. A sufficient 
time has not elapsed yet to have received answers from 
many of them. The Judge read a letter from ex-Governor 
Horatio Seymour, of New York, thanking the committee 
for the invitation, and stating that the recent iOO-\ear 
services in their State, at Oriskany and other historic 
fields, had tended to make their people better and more 
patriotic, and he had no doubt ours would have the same 
happ\- effect. The Governor regrets that it will not be 
in his power to be present in person on account of previ- 
ous engagements, but gives it his best wishes, and hopes 
for its success. 

A communication from James A. Gordon was read, 
and ordered to be filed, in which he says it will be im- 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 'jy 

possible for him to attend to the duty of preparing a 
history of Plymouth, and asks to be excused. He sug-, 
gests that the history of Plymouth has already been ably 
written by Col. Wright, which is in the main correft, 
and he thinks that is all that is required. 

The meeting adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 25th 
inst., at the same place, at 10 o'clock A. M. 

■\\\V. WII.KESBARKH DISPLAY A FIXED FACT. 

An adjourned meeting was held at the Arbitration 
room, in the Court House, at 10 o'clock A. M., on Satur- 
day, May 25th. 

There was a larger attendance than usual at these 
meetings, which shows that the gentlemen in charge of 
the undertaking are warming up to their work as the 
time for a6tion approaches. 

Col. Dorrance called the meeting to order. 

The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting, 
which were ordered to stand approved. 

Judge Osterhout, of Tunkhannock, was present, and 
submitted the original records of Old Putnam Manor, 
now Tunkhannock, which were kept by Zebulon Marcy, 
Secretary, covering the period from 1772, the time of the 
organization of the company in Conne6licut, down to 
1802, when the Decree of Trenton had established the 
jurisdiftion of the State of Penns\'lvania over all the old 
Westmoreland territory. 

As guests of honor, by reason of their great age, Mr. 
Parsons stated that he would see to it that Steuben 
Butler, son of Colonel Zebulon Butler; John Clark, of 
Plains; Klisha Blackman, of Pittston. and Alvan Dana, 
of Missouri, be provided with a special conveyance, and 
that they be assigned to eligible seats at the memorial 
exercises. 

Judge Dana, on Orations and Poems, has nothing new 
to report. He would say. however, that a perfeft ava- 
lanche of poetry is being thrown in upon the committee, 
and if it be true that the age of chivalry is past, the age 



-8 THE WILKESBARRK ^ISPLA^'. 

of poetr\' is not. We have enoue^h now to occupy the 
entire month of June in reading" it. and it will have to be 
pretty cool weather too, or we will faint before we get 
half through. 

Mr. Jenkins suggests that it be all preserved, to be 
disposed of in such manner as the committee shall think 
proper, after the services are over. 

Mr. Pettebone. of the Finance Committe^^, sajs that 
the subscriptions now amount to $3,265. From Scranton 
we get nothing; from Pittston nothing; from Plymouth 
nothing, further than the liberal amount subscribed by 
one of the members of the committee, whose home is 
there. This result is not satisfaftor)' to my mind, but I 
admit the canvass has not been as thorough as it might 
have been. 

Mr. Osterhout says he don't think old Putnam has been 
canvassed at all, and if it had been perhaps the harvest 
would appear about as barren of results as that reaped 
in the richer field of the great and enterprising city of 
Scranton. 

Dr. Hollister said there is a feeling abroad in the 
country that as Wilkesbarre is to be the central figure 
of the big show on the 4th, "let the people of Wilkes- 
barre provide for its expense." The greater part of the 
funds required for this work will be spent here, and if 
Wilkesbarre does not come up to tlie work of providing 
the' means, the proceedings must be abridged. The 
funds for defraying the expense of the memorial services 
are assured, and if there is to be any abridgment of the 
contemplated display the Wilkesbarre branch of it must 
be the one to suffer such curtailment. 

Mr. Woodward said the time is past when it is possible 
to seriously talk about reconsidering the Wilkesbarre 
celebration on the 4th. We are fully committed to this 
celebration, which will be of a jubilant character, and 1 
can assure you, Mr. President, that it will be the grandest 
affair of the times, or that our \'alle\' has ever witnessed. 



"c.o rr ALONK." 79 

The only question to be considered is an important one, 
I will admit — that of money; and as I am reminded by 
the Chairman of the Finance Committee that I said at a 
former meeting that if the association fails to furnish 
the means, that the bo\-s will do it, and so I say now. 
The preparations are already begun, and our historical 
and other tableaux will eclipse anything of a like nature 
ever undertaken in this old fogy town of ours, and if our 
sister city, the enterprising metropolis of the future 
Lackawanna county, will not "'assist," why then we will 
just "go it alone," and you all know that a inarch on a 
lone hand counts four in a game of five. Mr. Woodward 
said further that he had alread)- heard from many socie- 
ties, such as Masons, Odd Fellows, Father Matthew, 
fire companies, temperance societies, etc., and that nearly 
all of these in the county will be present without any 
further invitations. He suggests that an appropriation 
be made to have printed a number of suitable hand-bills 
for posting up in various parts of the country. These 
can be got up, giving general notice of the event without 
reference tf) details, which we cannot give now, as the 
Chairman of the Order of Exercises has not yet fully 
completed his plans. 

On motion, it was 

Rcsok'c'c/, That the sum of $ioo be and the same is 
herebv appropriated for printing posters. 

The Special Committee on (irounds, Messrs. Wisner, 
Corey, and Atherton, being present, report: 

"That after a personal and thorough inspection of the 
grounds, as between the fair grounds and the ten acres 
of land adjoining the monument, offered gratuitously for 
the use of the association b\- Pavne Pettebone, FLsq., they 
are unanimously of opinion that the grounds offered by 
Mr. Pettebone. all things being considered, are decidedly 
preferable to the fair groumls, and they recommend that 
Mr. Pettebone's liberal ofTer be accepted, and* that the 
contemplated arrangements be so far modified as to fix 



go A P'RKK BRIIfCiE. 

the place for all the exercises, except the explanatory 
address of the plan of the battle, which is to be on the 
battle ground, in the field immediately at the foot of the 
monument." 

On motion of Judge Dana, it was 

Resolved, That the report of the Special Committee on 
Grounds be accepted. 

This change of the place of holding the exercises will 
necessitate the ere6lion of temporary buildings for the 
use of the museum of antiquities. 

Mr. Wisner, on Decorations, suggests that the Building- 
Committee proceed at once to ereft the necessary build- 
ings, in order that his committee may arrange the deco- 
rations contemplated. 

Mr. Harrison Wright, on Order of Exercises and 
Medals, reports progress, and exhibited a sample of the 
memorial medal struck in wax, which is approved b\' the 
meeting. 

The Secretary then read the following official an- 
nouncement he had received from the company: 

"At a meeting of the President and Managers of the 
Wilkesbarre Bridge Company, held March 30, 1878, the 
following resolution was adopted: 

'"Resolved, That the Wilkesbarre bridge be free on the 
3d and 4th of July next to all participants in the com- 
memorative and and patriotic proceedings to be held on 
these days. 

"W. G. Sterlinc;, 

"May 25, 1878. Secretary!' 

. On motion of Mr. Jenkins, it was 

Resolved, That the President and Managers of the 
Wilkesbarre Bridge Companx- have the thanks of this 
association for their timelx' and generous offer. • 
Adjourned to meet on the ist of June. 



v;sriM.\n-.s ( ailkd Fon. 8j 



CHKKRINf. RF.roK IS < t>MINr, IN. 

The General Committee nicetii'ii; was liekl at the City 
Council rooms on the 1st of June, at 9 o'clock A. M. 

Mr. Harrison VVriij^ht, Chairman (vf the Committee on 
Order of Kxercises, reports that on the programme an 
hour is allowed for havins^ short addresses from distin- 
j^uished <^uests, and it is now determined that Re\ . W'm, 
P. Abbott be assignetl to occup)' a portion of that liour. 

Mr. Beardslee, on Invitations, says Judge Hardinu^, the 
chairman, is hard at work sendint,^ out invitati^ins and 
answerint^ letters. 

Mr. Woodward, of the Special Committee on Finance, 
tjives a cheerinLj report. We have now pledsji^ed sub- 
scriptions amountiuLj $5,269, and he knows of $300 more 
that he thinks he can count on as certain. He cxpefts 
to make it at least $5,500, and the entire amount required 
is estimated at onl\- $5,000. , 

On motion, a vote of thanks of this association was 
tendered to Mr. Woodward for his zeal and success in 
the good cause, and that he deserves the good will of 
all concerned. 

Col. Dorrance said he was pleased to hear that Pitts- 
ton has waked up, and is coming forward handsomel\-. 

Dr. Hollister said if the\- have waked up, don't let them 
go to sleep again. 

Mr. Wisner said that Pittston had raised $400. and 
they had trouble to keep it down to that figure. I'ittston 
will not be backward on the finance cjuestion. 

On motif)n of Mr. Woodward, it is ordered that wlu-n 
this meeting adiourns, it will .idjourn to meet at this 
place, at lO o'clock A. M., on Saturda> next, and that 
the chairmen of the several committees be requested to 
make out approximate statements and reports of the 
amount of money required b\- each in his tie[)artmcnt. to 
be submitted at that meetin<>. 



.?2 f:fa:( TfoN' or noorn's'. 

Mr. Harrison Wright, Chairman of the Committee on 
Order of Exercises for the 3d, subn-vittcd a programme 
n\ exercises. 

Notice was ordered to be giv'en that the Committees 
on Refreshments, Antiquities, Deco>rations, Grounds, an c! 
Htiihiings \VfI{ n7eet at 2 ©■"clock P. M., c:»n Wednesday 
next, at the mc^nument, and that all persons desirous of 
crefting booths or stands for the sale of refreshments are 
recjucsted to meet with these committees for the purpose 
n\ selecting locations and fixing on rules to be observed 
(.luring the services. 

Adjourned to meet on Saturdaw June 8th 

I.N WHICH SOMK I)OIN(;S ARE DKCH)!':!) ON. 

The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration 
room, at icj o'clock A. M., on Saturday, the 8th day of 
June. 

Col. Dorr.ince. President, called the meeting to order. 

Mr. Jenkins read a letter he had received from Mr. 
John Billings,' of the Onondaga Tribe of Indians, who 
propose to send a delegation of fifty of their tribe, pro- 
vided they can have all their expenses paid and $2 per 
day each in addition. 

Ordered that the offer to pay all expenses be renewed, 
but that the association cannot pay the per diem wages 
of these braves. 

Messrs. Courtright, chairman, and Laycock and Long, 
of the Refreshment Committee, report the bill of fare as 
agreed upon in conimittee for dinner for musicians and 
orators. This offers a great variet)' of gooti things. 

( )n fnolion, ordered that the committee be authorizetl 
to contract with some suitable person for furnishing the 
dinner as piT bill of fare at a reasonable prict: for each 
person serw-d. and that the association guarantee to pay 
lor foul' hundred dinners for the musicians and orators of 
the daw The Secretary to procure the tickets in blank, 
to be signed, b)' the proper officer, the President. 

Ordered that a sum not to exceed $100 be appropri- 



Mn.llARV Bor)!!.^ INVlll/O. 1^", 



i'ltecl to repair the inmuunent and put it? goi^d cop.dil ion 
where it is falling into deca\'. 

Messrs. Pettebone> Dana, aud Harrison Wriij^hl ajv 
appointed a special committee to sec thai tliis \» ork he 
properly attended to. 

On motion of Col. Woodward, it was 

Rcsoh>cd,Th\\i this committee extend a cc-idial in\ita- 
tion to all military bodies and ori^ani/.ations to partici- 
pate in the commemoration on the 3d and 4th of julw 
but in the opinion of this committee the invitation of an\ 
division as such a militar\' body is deemed inexpedient. 

Col. Woodward was dire6led to notif}' Gen. (^sbornc 
v:)f this a6lion of the Executive Committee. 

On motion of Dr. Hakes, it was 

Rcso/7'cd, That the sum of $500, or so much thereof as 
may be necessary, be and hereby is appropriated to de- 
fray the expense of the historical jjarade and table.iux 
on the 4th in Wilkesbarre. 

Adjourned to meet at the same place, f>n Saturday, 
the 15th inst.. at 9 o'clock A. M. 

ITF.NfS FROM rHK I'RKSS. 

'■ T/ic President 6V-'////«if.-— President Hayes will arrive 
in HarrisburcT on the 2d of July, and be the cruest ol His 
Excellence Governor Hartranft for the da\". .\ special 
train on the Northern Central Railroad will lea\'e Harris-- 
burg, having on board these two distinguished citizens 
and soldies; the one the Governor of our own State and 
Ccjinmander-in-Chief of all the Militia of the Common- 
wealth, and the other the Comm.ander-in-Chief of the 
Army and \a\\\- of the United States. Tlu-)- will be met 
at some point by a suitable militarv escort and guard of 
honor, and upon being conducted to the monument 
grounds will be assigned their appropriate j)laces in the 
solemn ceremonies of the day. It is not known whether 
Gen. Hancock will be jKesent or not. WMieii he was 
here last siunmer he signified his intenlion to hie present, 
unless his dut\- imi)erati\ely recjuired his presence in the 



ii4 MKMoKIAf. Afr.DAf,*:. 

field. 1 lie Committee on Buildings is now negotiating' for 
H manjmoth tent to be put upon the monument grounds^ 
capable of accommodating lO.OOO persons, if the day 
should be rain\': or if ver\' hot, as it most likely will be, 
a tent f>f this kind will prove a great comfort in the ab- 
sence ot buildings or shade trees. " 

'^ Mi'inoricil Medals. — Wyoming memorial medals are 
for sale by Faser & Smith. Timothy Parker & Son, and 
by Harrison Wrigiit. Chairman of the Committee on 
Medals. Ihe price is sixty cents. The subscription list 
for silver medals will be forwarded to-night (June 14th). 
but an\' names handetl Mr. Wright to-day will receive 
attention. One of these beautiful medals, struck in coin 
.silver, is now before us. It is not c^uite as large as a 
dollar pice of our c<jin, but it is a little thicker, and may 
contain about the same quantity of silver. It is appro- 
priate in design, and the workmanship is beautiful in fin- 
ish, rile metlal, on its obverse, represents a scene of 
the surprise and murder of the settlers by a band of In- 
dians, four in number; one white man is slain, and 
another has f.dien and is resting upon his side, and is 
casting an imploring look at the stalwart savage who 
holds his tomahawk raised and read)' to deal the fatal 
blow, .\nother Indian, rifle in hand, pressing on closel}' 
in the rear, is intently watching a log cabin in the dis- 
tance, trom which flame and smoke are seen issuing from 
the roof and gable window. Other Intlians are seen ap- 
pri^aching in the back ground, .irmed with the deadly 
rifle ii nd hatchet. Ihe whole is surrounded by the ex- 
planatory Words, 'In commemoratiiin of the Battle and 
Massacre of Wyoming, Jul)' },<\, 1778. On the reverse 
side is a representation of the battle monument, sur- 
roumled b\- the Latin legend, ' Diilcc ct dccoruvi est pro 
f^atria iiiori' — 'lis pleasant and proper to die for one's 
countr\-.' I he work reflefts credit upon the artist, who. 
Uf understand, is chief designer in the Philadelphia 
Mint. Se\en of the medals have been struck in 'jold. 





THE MEMORIAL MEDAI- 



DKLKCATI". ro VALLKV FOROE. 85 

iind will be awarded as prizes in recrattas, or for the best 
displays of civic or military associations. The medals in 
bronze are very pretty, showings off the figures even bet- 
ter than those in silver. Every family descended from 
the stern old patriots who participated in that bloody 
fight should possess one of these." 

A meeting was held <>n Saturda}-, the 15th day of 
June. 1878. 

The President. Col. Dorrance. read a communication 
from the Committee on Invitations of the Valley Forge 
Centennial Association, inviting this association to send 
a delegation to the Valley Forge celebration on the 19th 
instant. 

Ordered that the President be requested to attend on 
that day as a representative of Wyoming. 

The President signified his acceptance of the trust. 

On motion of Mr. Corey, ordered that the Chairman 
of the Committee on Invitations extend the same invita- 
tion to tlie Valle\' Forge Association, if it has not already- 
been done. 

Mr. Wisner submitted a plan of decorations to be put 
up at Wyoming, and asked that a further sum of $100 be 
appropriated t(^ his department. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, ordered that the commit- 
tee be direfted to a6l, the expense not to exceed $400. 

On motion of Judge Dana, ordered that the Commit- 
tees on Buildings and Museum of Antiquities be instrufted 
to make suitable provision for the proper exhibition of 
the grt)up of statuetter\- representing the massacre of 
W\-oming, sf) exquisitly modeled in clay by Mr. Hazel- 
tine, ot Wilkesbarre. 

Judge Dana read a letter from Rt. Rev. Bisiiop O'Hara, 
ot the Scranton Diocese, regretting that his time would 
i)e so occupied b_v liis pastoral duties during the next 
month as to prevent him fi om being present to lead some 
of the religious services, as he had been invited to do. 



86 MAY HAVK HAD ITS KFFECT. 

The Judge said that the Rev. Father O'Harran, of St. 
Mary's Church, had signified his acceptance of a similar 
invitation subsequently extended to him. 

Adjourned to meet at the same place, on Saturda\-, the 
22d inst., at 9 o'clock A. M. 

The following newspaper mention of June 24th was 
only a joke of course, but it may have had its effeft to 
bring in persons alwa\s anxious to witness unusual 
events, all the same: 

''What Next? — It is said that Barnum's big show will 
so arrange its appointments as to arrive in Wilkesbarre 
on the morning of the 4th, and join in the centennial 
procession, and present tableaux of oriental lite, one ot 
which will be a grand triumphal entry of the Empress of 
India into Benares on the back of a gigantic elephant, 
seated in the gorgeous State Houdah of the ancient 
monarchs of that barbaric country. This to be followed 
by other high officials riding on elephants and dromeda- 
ries, with pages mounted on giraffes and zebras. Sir 
[ohn Franklin will be represented in the Harbor of 
Desolation, surrounded by polar bears, white foxes, and 
sea lions. Stanley's explorations in AJrica will be repre- 
sented by roaring lions and growling hyenas, and a band 
of savage Africans in their native costumes, with a gang 
of slaves chained by their necks on their wa\- to the 
Portugese or Arabic dealers, where they are to be sohl 
to the traders for shipment to civilized countries. .'^11 
these and more will be represented on that da\'." 

THE WORK (U)KS 15RAVF.I.V ON. 

The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration 
room, at 9 o'clock A. M., o!i Saturday, June 22d. 

Col. Dorrance, the President, called the meeting to 
order soon after. The President said he had attended 
the Vallc)' Forge Centennial as a representative of 
VV)-()ming in a t\\r)-t()ld ca})acit>' -to obtain some pra6li- 



THF. APPROPRIATIONS. 87 

cal knowledge of the mode of arranging the details, and 
Id engage the great Lexington tent, that is capable of 
sheltering ten thousand people, in case the weather 
should not be favorable for out-door exercises. It will 
be liere; is now on the wa)'. The tent is one hundred 
by two hundred and fifty feet, has si.v central poles, with 
a flag on each; it is clean and neat, and will make a 
beautiful appearance, and add greatly to the attra6live 
display at the monimient. 

Chief Marshal Woodward submitted a general appro- 
priation bill, which, after being amended so as to appro- 
priate ^2,000 for the exercises at W)'oming on the 3d. 
was adopted, and the several sums therein named appro- 
priated as follows: 

Kxpenses at W\-oming $2,000 

Historical Parade 500 

Music by the Bands 400 

Decorations at Wilkesbarre 500 

Printing 300 

Carriages i 50 

I'^ire-works (evening of the 4th) 500 

hLrecling Stand for Speakers 50 

\V\-oming Artillerists 250 

Sprinkling Streets, etc 50 

Telegrams and Miscellaneous 50 

Firemen's Reception 75 

Total $4,825 

judge Harding, Chairman of the Committee on Invi- 
tations, said: "1 have sent out thousands of invitations. 
To some, as the President of the United States and the 
(iovernors of States, I have promised hospitality, but 
a great m.ijority of them have been general invitation to 
the j)arties adttressed, inx'iting tiiem to join with us in 
the commemoration. .Some ha\e accepted, and will be 
l^resent. Many have sent their regrets, and a few have 
•is yet made no reply. Among the high officials who 



S8 WYOMINTi'S (IF.NKROSITN'. 

will honor us with their presence, I am happ\- to report 
that His Excellency, the President of the United States, 
and His Excellenc}', Governor Hartranft, have si<^nified 
their acceptance of the invitation, and will be here on 
that day. Judges Strong and Mercur, of the Supreme 
Court, will be here also. It is not necessary to enume- 
rate at this time all who will honor us with their pres- 
ence, but the happiest feature will be that the people 
will be here from all the surrounding countr\'. 1 am as- 
sured from personal observation in my travels that ever\' 
town, and every hamlet, and every fireside in this large 
county, and the surrounding counties, nearlv all the 
dwellers will be here on that day. Let us welcome them 
kindly, and show them that old Wyoming now, as in the 
past, knows how to greet her friends, or to meet her 
enemies, if need be, as on the historic field in front of 
Wintermute, where so man\' of our unfortunate ancestors 
yielded up their lives as upon Queen Esther's blood)' 
rock." 

Col. Dorrance said: "Wyoming's sons in the past have 
stood high in the estimation of the countrx- for generosit)' 
and hospitalit)', and I feel assured that the generation of 
to-day is not degenerate, and I trust that all who can 
will invite some friend or acquaintance to partake of their 
hospitality, if, as the showmen say. 'for one da\' only.'" 

Judge Dana reported that ever\thing was prepared 
by the Committee on Orations and Poems. 

On motion of Col. Woodward, it was 

Resolved, That Messrs. Hoyt. Dorrance, Pettebone. 
Harding, and Dana be appointed a special committee to 
receive the President and Go\'ernor Hartranft. and en- 
tertain them during their staw 

It is now arranged that the Presidential part>' will 
arrive at Wyoming b\- a special train on the Lackawanna 
and Bloomsburg Railroad on the morning of the ^fi; 
that they will be escorted to the fine old mansion of Mr. 
Pettebone at Wvoming. where thev will be entertained 



n\V. ONONDAGA INDIAN."^. 



89 



till the ceremonies at tlie inonuii^ent demaiul their prc-^- 
ence there. At the conclusion the party will drive to 
Col. Dorrance's suburban farm m.msic^n in Kingston, 
where, after beine;' refreshed with a cup of iho Colontd's 
•excellent tea, they will be escorted \r, the Wvomini^ 
Valley Hotel, in Wilkes])<irrc, where a splet\difl •^uite ol 
parlors have been engaged for their accommodation 

On motion of Mr. Shoemaker, it uas onlered that a 
committee, consisting of the follov.dng named geni lemen, 
be appointed to raise a special purse of $250, to be ex- 
pended in the jiurchase of prizes to be aw^arded to the 
competitors for superiority in the regattas contemplated 
by the various boat clubs wi\o have signified their inten- 
tion to be present on the 3d and 4th, viz: li. A. .\iven, 
L. D. Shoemaker, H H. Harvey, Lewis C. Inline, Isaac 
K. Long, Thomas M, Kesler, and P. H. Campbell 

On motion of Judge Harding, it was ordered that the 
sum of $100 be appropriated to our colored citizens, who 
propose to participate as a bodv in the parade and gen- 
eral exercises on the 3d and 4th 

Mr. Jenkins submitted a letter from Mr. Billings in be- 
half of the Onondaga Tribe of Lidians accepting the 
projjosition made to them to attend on the 3d and 4th. 
There will be about fift\' of these aboriginese in their war 
paint and feathers here on these days. Hut the pe<)]:)lc 
need have no fear for their scalps, as these are a ci\'ilized 
and christianized people, and onl)- put on the trappings 
of savages on special occasions, although they are gen- 
uine red men of the forest. The)' will have man\- articles 
ol their handiwork to disj)()se of ,is curiosities to the 
hunters after such, who ma\- be present. 

The following named gentlemen were appointed a 
committee to receive and take care of our nati\e guestiA 
while they remain with us, viz: Rev. Abel Barker, VVm. 
L. Raecler, J. P. Atherton, Robert La\'cock, and feremiah 
B. Shiffer. " 

Mr. L IL. Long exhibited samf)les of centennial badges. 



90 MAP OF THE VALLEY. 

On motion of Mr. Woodward, it is ordered that the 
General Committee approve of these designs, and author- 
ize Mr. Long to sell them on the grounds, or elsewhere,, 
as he may think proper. 

Dr. Hollister presented the map of the valle}^ as it 
appeared a hundred years ago, which has been prepared 
by his committee. 

Judge Dana said this map is a creditable work of art, 
and moved that the same be adopted by the Executive 
Committee and sanftioned as being substantially corre6l 
in all its details, and that the thanks of this association 
be extended to Messrs. Hollister, Hakes, and Sturdevant 
for their services in preparing the same. 

\Ir. Harvey said that the Committee on Grounds will 
meet at the monument on Monday, the 24th instant, to 
locate the tents and fix upon places at which refresh- 
ment stands may be erefted. 

Mr. Corey said the buildings are progressing satisfac- 
torily. The one for the exhibition of the museum of 
antiquities is nearly completed. 

On motion, it was ordered that the Supervisors of 
Kingston township be requested to see that no booths 
or other stands be ere6ted on the public highway. 

On motion of Mr. Jenkins, ordered that a committee 
of four be appointed to seleft a police force to maintain 
good order on the 3d on the monument grounds, to re- 
port at the next meeting. 

The President appointed on that committee William 
Kelly, S. B. Stillwell, Joseph Heilman, and James P. 
Atherton. 

Adjourned to meet at the monument, on Thursday 
next, at 3 o'clock P. M. 

The letter of the President, informing the association 
of a positive acceptance of its invitation to him to partic- 
ipate in the services, both memorial and patriotic, is 
decidedly democratic in all respefts. It is written on a 



■pRESIDP:NT HAYKS' l.ETTKU. ' '9\ 

small sheet of note paper, and is not a model for writing 
masters' to study, unless it be to avoid the style of 
chirography, and is in the words and figures following: 

Executive Mansion, 

Washington, 20 June, iSyS. 
My Dear S/r: 

I have delayed a definite reph' to your esteemed 
favor of the 4th of May last until the adjournment of 
Congress. It now seems proper to say that I know of 
no public duty which will prevent me from attending 
your very interesting celebration on the 3d of July. It 
will give me great pleasure to be present. 

Sincerely, 

R. B. HAVE8. 

Hon. G. M. Harding. 

MEETIN(; at WYOMINC. 

An adjourned meeting of the Executive Committee 
was held at the hoi^ise of J. R. Laycock, on Thursda}', 
June 27th, 1878. 

'The President, *Col. Dorrance, submitted a letter from 
a daughter of Rosewell Franklin, ninety-four years of 
age, expressing a deep interest in the approaching memo- 
rial, but saying that she was unable attend on account 
of her extreme age, and its consequent enfeebling effects. 

Mr. Stillwell and Mr. Atherton, of the Police Commit- 
tee, were present, and the committee was ordered to 
make report to the meeting of Saturday, the 29th. 

Mr. Seabert, of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and West- 
ern Railroad, said ample arrangements would be made 
by his road to carry all passengers who desire to come 
to Wyoming on the 3d. Trains will be run from Wyom- 
ing up to 10:30 P. M. The Presidential car will arrive 
here at 9:14 A. M. on the 3d. 

On motion of Col. Woodward, the Rev. Abel Barker 
was ordered to be added to the Committee on Reception 



9i AfPRoPi-aA I foN Hi VAA' POST. 

of the rrcsideiU of the United States ami the Cioverrror 
of Penns\'Ivania, and that the committee confer with 
Superintendent Halstead, of the Delaware, Lackawanna, 
and Western Railroad, as to the movement of trains on 
the 3']. 

( )n motion of Dr. Holljster, it was ordered that the 
sum of $100 he appropriated to Ely Post. G. A. R., of 
VVilkesbarre. to assist the Post to entertain visitin<j^ com- 
[)aiiions on the 3d and 4th. 

( )n motion, the application of Charles Feurstein for an 
appi opriation to defra_\- expenses of exhibiting the group 
ff statiKU')- representing the massacre of Wyoming in the 
parade of the 4th of July was recommended to favorable 
consideratioii, and a committee, consisting of Messrs. 
J, R. Co(^!baugh, Ziba F'aser. and (jarrick M. Miller, was 
seletled, with avithority to colleft money to defray the 
expenses, not to be chargeable to the ge!")eral fund. 
On motion, it was 

/\iSo/rc'//, i'hat the i^resident and Chief Marshal be 
authorized to make .irrangements for a suitable military 
dis|)la\' on the ^d as well as the 4th. 

All I he committees on preparator\- arrangements re- 
port their work as well advanced as the nature thereof 
will admit. 

Adjourned to meet at Wilkesbarre, at g o'clock A. M., 
on Saturday, June 29th. 

PRKL1MIN.\RV WOiiK DONK. 
Idle last meeting of the Executive Committee, prex'i- 
uus to that on memorial day, was held at Wilkesbarre. 
on Saturd.iw June 29th. 

President Dorrance in the chair, stated the obje(ft of 
the meeting to be to ascertain from reports, now called 
for from the chairmen of the se\eral standing commit- 
tees, whether all has l^een tlone that is required by wa\- 
of preliminaries concerning our e.xpefted demonstrations 
on the 3tl and 4th. 

tieneral llovt said no dehnite arrangement has as \-et 



MIMIARV KSCORT. 93 

been made for providiiii^f a suitable militar}' escort to re- 
ceive the President and Governor of the Commonwealth 
on their arrival at Wyoming. 

Col. Dorrance said that in the multiplicity of duties 
(ievolvin^- upon the proper cominittees, it was probable 
that this important one had been overlooked. It would 
not be showing proper respe6l to these high military 
i)fficials — the one the Commander-in-Chief of the Army 
and Navy of the Nation; the other of the forces of the 
Commonwealth — and that he would take upon himself 
the responsibility of sup[)l\-ing the important omission. 
He had already had some- correspondence with Major 
Boise, of the Scranton City Guard, and he would guar- 
antee that nothing should be lacking in this respect. 

Favorable reports were received from all the gentle- 
men having the arrangement of any details in hand, and 
as there seemed no further business requiring the action 
of the General Committee, the meeting adjourned to 
meet at Wyoming on the morning of the 3d of July, not 
as a body, i)ut as citizens, to join with the great throng 
of \'isitors from all parts of the country expe6led to be 
there on that day. 

ITEMS I'KO.M rUF. PRKSS. 

Items of interest connefted with the memorial clipped 
from the local papers a few da\'s before the ceremonies: 

"A Work of Art. — The triumphal arch being erected 
at the foot of Market street is a strufture of considerable 
merit as a work of art, and by contrast the other arches 
will appear to disadvantage. This will be a work that 
will redect credit on the artist, Mr. Hawkins, and be 
something that its projeftors ma\' contemplate with just 
pride. The indiscriminate displa}' of green boughs with- 
out order or taste in their arrangement adds but little to 
beautify the town. Better ha\x' but few ornamentations, 
and have them meritorious, than a profusion of chaos in 
green foliage to tire and ilistra6t the senses." 



94 ITKMS FROM THE PRESS. 

"^Artillery to the Redout. — The point from which a 
national salute is to be fired bj-^ the Artillerists on the 
morning- of the 4th is said to be at the interseftion of 
Franklin and North streets. We hope the committee in 
charge of this matter will modify the order so that the 
firing may be from the old historic redout on Upper 
River street. The firing in a thickly populated portion 
of the cit)' is of doubtful propriety, and we understand 
that there are aged people and infants in that vicinit}' 
to whom the jar in firing the pieces may prove fatal; and 
there is also danger in breakage of windows in Memorial 
Church and many prix^ate dwellings thereabouts. Let 
the firing take place from the redout by all means. 
Nothing could be more appropriate. That is the old 
place wdiere artillery was wont to thunder on the fourths 
of July of the past, and where more than a hundred years 
ago these fearful engines frowned with their ugly muzzles 
upon an}' hostile keel boat man who should attempt to 
pass this prominent landmark." 

"'Croxvding. — The officers of the railroads entering 
directly to this city have been notified by the conne6ling 
lines from Philadelphia, Reading, and others places, that 
they should provide transportation for at least twent}' 
thousand passengers beyond the usual travel on the 3d 
and 4th. There are large numbers of persons in Phila- 
delphia and the large cities who usually make e.xcursions 
to the sea shore and other public places on the 4th, and 
they are now making their preparations to attend the 
Wyoming exercises." 

"The The Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Rail- 
road Compan\' will sell tickets to Wyoming and return 
on the 3d and 4th at 25 cents for the round trip." 

"Rev. Abel Barker has engaged a special car to bring 
the Onondaga Lidians to W\'oming on the morning of 
the \<\:' 



ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. 95 

^'Rivcr Steamers. — The steamer Hendrick B. Wright 
will make two trips to Forty Fort on Sunday, leaving 
Wilkesbarre at 1:30 and 6:30 P. M., remaining at the fort 
one hour at each trip. The afternoon trip to Nanticoke 
will be one hour later than regular time. 

'^Distiiigiiis/icd Democrats Coming. — We are advised 
on authority that Hon. A. H. Dill, the Democratic can- 
didate for Governor, State Senators Allen and Yerkes, 
and Hon. R. Milton Speer will arrive at the Kingston 
station on the afternoon of the 2d. A delegation of their 
friends will meet them there, and escort them to their 
quarters at the W)^oming Valley Hotel, where they will 
remain during the centenary services. There will be no 
parade or ostentatious reception, and his coming here at 
this time is not for political effect; but Mr. Dill will be 
happy to meet and form the acquaintance of all his 
political friends who shall think proper to honor him 
with a call." 

''Preparations at tJie Mo'iument. — The Executive Com- 
mittee visited Wyoming yesterday to inspeft the ar- 
rangements, and for the transaftion of business. Every- 
thing is being done that can be in advance, and the 
work was approved. The committee voted to appro- 
priate $100 to Ely Post, G. A. R., to assist in defraying 
the expenses of receiving their guests." 

"Col. Dorrance will have a house full of distinguished 
guests on the 3d and 4th. Among others he will enter- 
tain Hon. Asa Packer, of Mauch Chunk; Hon. John T. 
Rush and family, of Niagara P^alls; and ex-Mayor West- 
ervelt, of New York." 

"Mr. J. Falk has the contraft to furnish the Wyoming 
Valley Hotel with meat on the 3d and 4th. The first 
order is for 6,400 pounds of beef and mutton, 12 lambs, 
and 4 calves." 



96 ITKMS FROM THE PRKSS. 

"iVo Banking 0)1 the jd. — The banks of this city have 
all agreed to close on the-3d, so far as receiving or paying- 
out money on checks is concerned. Their doors will be 
opened from 2 to 3 o'clock P. M., and an officer will be 
present to prote6l maturing paper, but that is all the 
business that will be done. The 4th being a legal 
holiday, of course no business can be transacted on that 
day." 

''Look Out for Them. — Chief of Police Gilchrist has 
just returned from a trip to New York. While in that 
city, he had a conference with Police Commissioner 
Walling, who informed him that a large number of 
thieves and pick-pockets are leaving, and making their 
way hither to reap a small harvest at our 4th of July 
celebration." 

"Mr. Alvan Dana, of -Missouri, an old-time citizen of 
Wilkesbarre, arrived here yesterday to attend the cen- 
tenary services. Mr. Dana is upwards of eighty years of 
age, but is still a6live for one of his years. He will be 
the guest of his relative, Mr. Calvin Parsons, of Parsons 
borough." 

''CJp in a Balloo)i. — Let us have the balloon b\' all 
means. Mr. John Wise, Jr., the champion ;eronaut of 
the world, proposes to make one of his grand balloon 
ascensions to contribute additional eclat to the celebra- 
tion on the 4th. His proposition will be submitted to 
the Executive Committee at their meeting on Saturda\' 
next. This wouUl be a very attractive feature of the 
celebration, and we hope it may be approved by the 
committee " 

"Such is Fame. — An enter[)rising druggist in Pittston 
has spitefully put upon the market a "Wyoming Centen- 
nial Chicken Powder," just as if the Wyoming folks had 
not load enough to carr\- alreadw" 



ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. '97 

^''Bur/is Reversed. — That sweet old songster of Ayr 
sang in da)'S of old, * 

"O, that some power the gift wad gie us, 
To see ourselves as others see us." 

But that is what not we most desire in this day and gene- 
ration, but it is that others might see us as we see ourselves 
•and our surroundings. For this reason, we are well 
pleased when an artist or an author comes, the first to take 
pictures of our scenery, or the latter to write about us, 
always presupposing that his descriptions do but flatter 
our vanity. And just now we seem to be a central figure 
in the world of art and letters. Here we have had the 
New York Graphic man to take us for his journal; when, 
before we have time to breathe our satisfaction at the 
result, along comes Mr. E. H. Mart, the artist, from 
Philadelphia, accompanied by Mr. Bell, a well-known 
photograper from the same great city of high art, to take 
views in the valley of some of its fine scenery. This is 
another verification of the laws of trade governed by 
supply and demand. (3ur forthcoming centennial services 
have aroused a spirit of inquir\' in the whole countr\\ and 
these people are but catering to the tastes of their cus- 
tomers in furnishing the goods. . Mr. Hart has taken 
rooms at the Bristol House, where he will be pleased to 
■receive suggestions as to the most eligible and attra6live 
points to best display our beautiful Wyoming scenery." 

"Under the dire6lion of the Executive Committee, the 
Wilkesbarre Centennial Hospital will be established on 
the 4th upon the premises of Dr. E. R. Mayer, on River 
street. Drs. Mayer, Guthrie, and Harvey, the physicians 
selefted by the coinmittee, will be in attendance during 
the da)-, and will gratuitously furnish remedies or surgi- 
cal aid to all sick or injured persons who may apply at 
the hospital. An ambulance will be in readiness to con- 
vey those who are seriously ill or wounded to their 
homes, or to the Wilkesbarre City Hospital." 



gS fTKiVfS Fk(^M THI': PRKS'S'. 

"So7//:(.' of 0?/r Vi&itars. — -Capt. A.W.Taylor, Ouarter- 
Sjiaster of the Veteran Corps Battalion of Philadelphia, 
arrived here <)n Tuesday evenin<4". His coming at this; 
time is to secure quarters for the corps for the 3d and 4th. 
Capt. Taylor was in command of one of the companies 
of the Twentieth Regiment, stationed here last summer, 
and niade many friends during his stay. We understand 
that he has engaged the use of the fine residence on 
River street, recently erected by Mr. G. Murray Reynolds, 
now vacant, for the militar\' headquarters of the veterans, 
and that it will be fitted up in fine syle, and used b>' them 
during their stay. There will be abaut [35 in the 
battalion, which will be under the command of Adjutant 
General Latta. These war-worn veterans are making 
arrangements to have a good time of it, and enjoy their 
little reminiscences of the tented field with as little dis- 
comfort to themselves as possible." 

"Hozv to Come to 'Wyoming . — Mr. H. P. Baldwin, of the 
Central Railroad of New Jersey, writes to inform the 
Committee on Railroad Fares, that his road will issue 
excursion tickets, good from the 1st to the lOth of July, 
from any point on its line to Wilkesbarre at two cents a 
mile. Mr. Halstead, of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and 
Western Railroad, says he will make the same rate. Mr. 
Sayre, of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, will make the 
same rate, and two special trains will be run from Easton, 
landing passengers at Wyoming on the 3d, and probably 
the same arrangement will be made for trains from the 
north. Mr. Thos. Dickson, of the Delaware and Hudson 
Canal Company, sa)'s all passengers attending the 
Wyoming exercises will be carried at half rates. The 
specific time allowed the excursionists is not mentioned 
in any ot the above offers, except the Central Railroad 
of New Jersey, which limits the time to ten da)s, but it 
is probable the others will give the same terms. Instruc- 
tions will be given to the ticket agents at once, and 
notice gi\en to the public." 



ITEMS FROM THl": TRKSS. t)9 

""Our Guests. — His Excellency, Governor Martranft, 
and Henry Armitt Brown, will be the i^uests of Stanley 
Woodward, P-sq. Senator J. Donald Cameron, wife antl 
two daughters, and Col. A. Wilson Norris, will be enter* 
tained by Gen. H. M. Hoyt. Hon. Wayne McVeagh 
will honor Mr. John C. Phelps with his company. Hon. 
Chas. R. Buckalcw will be entertained by his old neigh- 
bor. Judge Rhone." 

''One Hundred Years Baehcard. — The map of Wyonv 
ing Valley as it appeared one hundred yeas ago, prepared 
under the supervision of Dr. Hakes, is now finished, and 
it is a wonderfully accurate representation of the topog- 
raphy of the valley, and the courses ami distances are 
laid down with mathematical accuracy. It gives all the 
principal improvements of that day. Beginning wit*li the 
old forge and grist mill at Nanticoke, their positions are 
accurately noted, and a brief reference is given to each 
in explanatory notes at the bottom. The Indian villages 
are all located, as well as the settlements and forts ol 
the Conne6licut colonists; the cleared lands, hills, and 
plains; the lines of battle on the bloody 3d of Jul}-; antl 
the river, as well as the smaller streams. The Doctor 
is deserving of great credit for the skill antl judgment, as 
well as the energy, he has shown in preparing so valuable 
an assistant to the students ot our local historv, but we 
must not give all the credit to him, for he was ably 
seconded in this work b\' his assistant t)n the Committee 
on Maps, Mr. Wm. H. Sturdevant. whose skdl a^ a sur- 
veyor helped to reduce the first brief outlines to order 
and accuracy of detail. Mr. Thomas Flemming, of New 
York, is the artist who completed the map." 

Hon. Wm. Bross. ex-Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, 
and now the President of the Chicago Tribune Company, 
has engaged rooms at the Wyoming Valley Hotel, and 
will attend the one hundredth \ear e.vercises of the 3d 
and 4th. 

! ->r ^ 



fOO fTKMS FROM THE PRESS. 

"Aiiotlicr Pole Raising. — At two P. M. to-day, if the 
weather shall prove favorable, a pole will be raised on 
the northwestern boundary of the old stockade at Forty 
Fort; if the weather is not favorable, then on the next 
fair day. The trenches of the old stockade will be 
opened to demonstrate the true location of the same. 
An invitation is extended to all the old citizens of the 
valley and the public generally to be present. The 
above a6lion was agreed upon at a meeting held on the 
20th instant, at which John M. Pettebone was Chair- 
man; R. McD. Shoemakc, Treasurer; and M. Walker, 
Secretary." 

"The billiard tables at our principal hotels are to give 
place to dining tables on the 3d and 4th. This is a good 
mov^, and will be duly appreciated by the hungry crowd.s 
that will gather here. " 

"Mr. George Murphy, of Sheshesquin, whose mother 
was a sister of Judge Obadiah Gore, one of the first judges 
of Luzerne county, and who was born in Judge Stroud's* 
barn in September, 1778, his mother having {led from 
Wyoming at the time of the battle, will be a guest of 
his relative, Mr. John G. Wood, on the 3d and 4th." 

" Several of the visiting fire companies will be quartered 
in the large storehouse building of Z. Bennett & Co., on 
North Main street, called the iron warehouse. The 
building is a large one. three stories in height, and with 
proper cleansing will afford comfortable quarters for a 
large number of men." 

"Col. Woodward has received positive assurance that 
the Second Regiment of the National Guard, from Phil- 
adelphia, will be here on the 3d and 4th, 350 strong, and 
bring with them their fine bands and drum corps. Col. 
Wickersham will be the commanding officer. What in 
the world will we do to provide for this great influx of 
humanity.''" 



ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. lOI 

^'Doiit Croak. — Our centennial parade to come off in 
tliis cit\- is already bearing" good fruit in the increased 
activity in every branch of business. Everybody is mak- 
ing ample preparations for the grand event. The tailors 
are overrun with orders for new suits; the dry goods 
merchants are all full of business; the painters are at 
work fixing up things so as to make them look rcspefta- 
ble; the street commissioner has a full complement of 
men repairing streets and street crossings, while others 
with ladders and saws are intent upon lopping off the 
branches of trees that for so long have obstructed the 
carriage-ways on Franklin and other streets. All this 
betokens better times, and this is the spirit that is needed 
to bring about a resumption of business. Let those slow 
coaches who have poo-poohed the attempt of a few en- 
terprising old fogies to engineer this thing on to success, 
remember that it is not by sitting down with folded 
hands to bewail the hardness of the times that the times 
are to be made any better. The country is as rich as 
ever it was. Nobody has lost an\^thing. only by the 
coming down of fi6litious values. Let us all buckle on 
the harness, and go to work at something. Aftion is 
what we want — a6lion! aftion! action!" 

"Our Distuigiiishcd Visitors. — President Hayes will 
be accompanied by his wife and two sons, and Governor 
Hartranft b\' his wife and two daughters." 

"Fitteen teams and sixt\-hve men and bo)-s left town 
at six o'clock yesterday mornmg to procure evergreens 
for decorative purposes on the 4th." 

"Mr. A. Clintop Snowden, city editor of the Chicago 
Times, is here to do the centennial memorial at Wyom- 
ing to-morrow. He expresses himself much gratified 
with the appearance of things here, and his account will 
occupy a large space in our Chicago namesake on the 
4th and 5th." 



102 ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. 

'"Tenting on the Old Grave Yard. — Ely Post. (i. A. R., 
will set up a tent 36x100 feet on the lot donated to the 
Wyoming Geological and Historical Society, in the old 
grave yard grounds, near the corner of Market and 
Washington streets, to be used as headquarters during 
the 3d and 4th. We are not informed whether the visit- 
ing members of the Grand Army intend to camp here 
during these days, but presume many of them will, and 
kindle anew the old camp fire as of yore, and at night 
wrap themselves in the regulation blanket and lie down 
to dream pleasant dreams on the bosom of old mother 
earth, where so many of the forefathers of the rude ham- 
let slumber beneath the green turf" 

''Making Hay while the Sun Shines. — Andrew H. Dill, 
the Democratic nominee for Governor, accompanied b\' 
United States Senator Wallace, and Messrs. Bucher, 
Allen, and Yerkes, and ex-Congressman Speer, arrived 
at the Wyoming Valley Hotel last evening, and were 
escorted to their quarters b\' a few personal friends. In 
the evening they were serenaded by a band of music, and 
receiv^ed the congratulations of many political friends of 
Mr. Dill. Senator Dill responded in a neat little speech, 
which made a favorable impression on all w ho had the 
pleasure to listen to it." 

"An Interesting Exhibit. — The Hon. Sylvester Dana, 
of Concord, N. H., arriv^ed here yesterdav, bringing with 
him an original oil painting of Gen. John Sullivan, whose 
name is so intimately conne6led with the histor}' of 
Wyoming, though his great military e.xpedition arrived 
here the year after the battle." 

" Landmesser's Hall, al the corner of Main and South 
streets, has been secured by the colored people as head- 
quarters for their visitors for the 3d and 4th of July. 
A large number of these, our enthusiastic fellow-citizens 
from different parts of the count}', will be in attendance." 



ITEMS FROM THE PRESS. IO3 

"'The President's Cane. — Captain T. C. Parker has on 
exhibition a beautiful cane of buck-horn wood, cut on 
the Wyoming battle ground, and varnished in its natural 
condition, having a solid gold head, quite heavy. On 
the gold top is engraved, 'Presented to the President of 
the United States by the Ladies of Wyoming Valley, 
1878.' This cane, so appropriate in its associations with 
the President's visit here and the occasion, is to be pre- 
sented, as the inscription indicates, at the coming visit 
of His Excellency. " 

'"Veterans to Arriz'e. — The Veteran Battalion of Phil- 
adelphia. Col. James W. Latta, the Adjutant General of 
Pennsylvania, commanding, will arrive this evening (July 
2d), at 8 o'clock. They will be saluted by the firing of 
thirteen guns by the Wyoming Artillerists on their 
arrival, and will be met by a reception committee and 
escorted to their quarters in the G. Murray Reynolds 
house on River street. 

"All Things Prepared. — During the afternoon of the 
2(1 a committee of obserx-ation, composed of representa- 
tives of the press of Wilkesbarre, visited Wyoming for 
the purpose of viewing the state of preparations for the 
coming day. This committee reported that they found 
everything in a state of forwardness, and prepared as far 
as possible in advance, for the ceremonies to follow on 
the 3d. The great Lexington tent was up, as were all 
the buildings required, and booths for the sale of refresh- 
ments in abundance. Dr. Hollister was found hard at 
work arranging his colleftion of Indian relics, and had 
been hard at work since early morning. Mr. Jenkins 
had not got his collection in place, but intended to re- 
move them the same evening. Accommodations for the 
newspaper correspondents not v^ery ample, and some 
improvements were suggested to the workmen engaged 
in giving the last touches to the preparations. Mr. 
Pettebone was found busil\- engaged preparing for the 



104 ITEMS FROM THK FRESS. 

Presidential party to be entertained on the morrow. He 
had three large tents pitched on the lawn surrounding 
his residence, where he intends entertaining the ciistin- 
guished guests to a breakfast and dinner. The commit- 
tee appointed to escort the President and party from 
Northumberland had everything arranged for leaving at 
3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the special train will 
arrive at 9 A. M. to-morrow; Mr. Fred. C. Johnson, of 
Wilkesbarre, to accompany the committee as special 
press reporter. 

"This report was regarded as entirely satisfaclor}% 
and was the last a6l of preparation for the looth-year 
memorial to follow. Nearly all the leading journals of 
the country will be represented by able correspondents, 
and those of New York. Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati. 
Boston, St. Louis, and other towns and cities will contain 
full reports of the interesting ceremonies, sent by tele- 
graph immediately upon the conclusion of each day's 
transa6lions." 



SERVICES, 




AT THE MONUMENT, 

JULY 3, 1878. 



N Tuesday evening, Julv 2d, the com- 
mittee of escort, consisting of the follow- 
ing named gentlemen, viz: Abel Barker, 
of Wyoming; W. R. Storrs, of Scranton; 
■^^^^^^Abram H. Reynolds, of Kingston; Dr. 
Benj. H. Throop, of Scranton; Theodore 
Strong, of Pittston; and Benj. F> Dorrance, of Wilkes- 
barre, proceeded to Northumberland by special train fur-^ 
nished by courtesy of Superintendent Halstcad, of the 
Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, arri\ing 
there at 10 o'clock the same evening. The Presidential 
train arrived at the same point during the night from 
Harrisburg; and at 5 o'clock A. M. all the arrangements 
had been made for continuing the trip. At 5:30 the 
Presidential party received the escort in the jiarlors of 
the hotel, and after the ceremon)' of mutual introduc- 
tions and a cordial greetings all around, the train started 
soon after for Wyoming, the great central point of at- 
traftion for many thousands from all parts of the United 
States on this 3d of July, I.S/.S. 

The Presidential party occupied a Pullman palace and 
another car for baggage, the engine "Shawnee " carrying 
the veteran engineer Charles Gurvis, and profusely deco- 
rated with flags and bunting. Stops were made at 



(06 Mi;M()RlAf. SllRVK'KS 

Hlo()!Tisl)iirg, Berwick, Shickshinny, and Kingston, at all 
of which phices brief speeches were made by President 
Hayes, Attorney General Devens, and Secretar\' of the 
rrc\'isur>' John Sherman, the immense gathering of peo- 
l)lc greeting the distinguished party with unbounded 
enllnisiasm. At Bloomsburg, the Hon. C R. Buckalew 
stepped aboard, and .returned the remarks pf welcome. 
.Ml of these stations were decorated in fine style, and 
thousands of [)ersons availed themselves of the memora- 
ble opportunity of shaking hands with the President. 
Mr. Hayes was accompanied by his estimable wife; Mrs. 
Sol lace, a friend of Mrs. Hayes; the two sons of the 
President. B. A. and Webb G. Hayes; O. L. Pruden. 
Assistant Secretary of the President, and Mr. Crump, 
(iovernor a!ul Mrs, Hartranft were attended by their 
daughters, Marian and Annie, and their two sons, Samuel 
and Linn; Chester N.. Farr, Private Secretar}'; H. B. 
Howland, of Indianapolis, and Jas. P. Sterrett, Judge of 
the Sujircme Court. 

Wyoming was reached about 8:30 o'clock amidst a 
gre.it throng, the City Guartis of Scr.inton being drawn 
up in line, under command of .Major Boies, as a guard of 
honor As the train approached the station, in accord- 
.ince with a preconcerted arrangement, Mr. F. A.Seabert, 
a railr(\id f)fficial in charge, directed the engineer to give 
four shrieks from the locomotive whistle, which was the 
signal agreed upon for the Wyoming Artillerists to open 
fire with their batter}- of four guns for the Presidential 
salute, the cannon immediately belching forth their 
thunder in honor of the supreme executive head of the 
National Government. The distinguished guests were 
met at the station by the Committee of Reception, con- 
sisting of Col. Dorrance, Mr. Pettebone, Dr. C. S. Logan, 
Gen. Hoyt, Judge Harding, Gen. Dana, and Mr. Wood- 
ward. As he stepped from the train, the President w^as 
introduce<l to the assembled multitude by Rev. Abel 
Barker in his neat impromptu manner, when three rous- 




je-^-t^ZZ^O-ry^^^U^^ 



AT rill-; M()NM-M!:\r. 107 

ing cheers were gi\'en (or the President o! the United 
States 

The adch-ess of welcome was b\- fieii. Hoyt, whn --,;id 
the agreeable duty had been assigned to him of wclLom- 
ing the President to Northeastern Pennsylvania, this be- 
ing the first instance in the history of our country that 
we had received such distinguished honor from the head 
of the nation. We have met here to rehearse the disas- 
terous events of deeds done a hundred years ago on this 
very spot where we now stand, and where all is so 
changed from what then greeted the eyes and senses of 
the pioneers in this beautiful valley. General Hoyt said 
that during the necessarily brief stay among us of His 
Excellency, we hope to show him the material features 
of tiie valley; its beautiful fields and fertile farms; its 
churches and school houses and faftories; the mighty 
machincrv that gives impulse to its varied industries; its 
almost inexhaustible deposits of anthracite coal that lie 
buried beneath its rich soil; and many other interesting 
features which contribute to illustrate the thrift and in- 
dustries of the people. In conclusion he said, "Our peo- 
ple rejoice that you are with us, and 1 take great pleasure 
in turning }'ou over to their hospitality." 

Miss Jennie Seabert, of Shickshinny, a little girl <lressc>d 
in white, presented the President with a beautifid boquet, 
wdiich he received with a gracious smile, that will prob- 
ably ever remain a pleasant memory to her while she 
lives. 

The President then thanked the committee for the 
ver\' flattering reception and welcome he had received, 
and in return presented Attorney General Devens and 
Secretary Sherman, members of the Cabinet. After 
which he stepped into a barouche in waiting, accompa- 
nied by the two Cabinet officers and Col, Dorrance, and 
was driven to the residence of Mr. Pa\'ne Pettebone, 
whose guest he was during iiis stay at W\'oming, there 
to partake of a generous breakfast lunch, and enjoy a 



lOS .UKMORIAT. SKRVKK.'> 

short repost: aftt-r the all nii^ht ride from Harrisburgf. 
1 he party was escorted by the Scranton City Guards. 
H'ith officers mounted, and making; a decidedly martial 
(. is pi ay. 

T H !•: I > A y W I". , C O M M K M ( ) li A T V. . 

l^Lirint;^ a brief space, the expected exercises of the 
da>' were anxiously awaited by the surging mass of not 
less than ten thousand hot and perspiring people, who 
had vainl}- sought shelter under the immense Lexington 
tent. The day was marked by a cloudless sky. from 
which the sun poured down its hottest rays from an early 
hour in the morning, wdiile ev^ery hour added to the mul- 
titude that was pouring into the field surrounding the 
monument, until there was an assemblage that no man 
could number. Probabl\- not less than fifty thousand 
persons visited the grounds during the day. Shortly 
after 9 o'clock the booming of guns was heard from the 
dire6lion of old Forty F'ort, where the W)-oming Artille- 
rists had arranged for the firing of a salute as a signal for 
the opening of the appointed exercises of the day. As 
Col. Dorrance was doing the honors to the Presidential 
party, and necessarily absent from the place of meeting 
at this time. Judge Dana assumed the dire6lion of aft'airs, 
and the appointed exercises were proceeded with. 

The band, under direftion of Prof. Coggswell, gave 
some choice sele6lions from " Maritana;" after which the 
following prayer was very earnestl\' and ably offered by- 
Rev. D. J. Waller, a descendant of a family that suffered 
severely in the massacre: 

prav?:r of rev. mr. waller. 

"God of our father, our God and Father in Christ Jesus, 
in the name of our Divine Redeemer we approach Thy 
throne of grace to pay our homage, and to render unto 
Thee our thanksgiving and our praise. Thou hast created 
us rational, accountable, and immortal beings. Thou 



AT THE MONUMENT. 1O9 

hast opened unto us sinners the way of salvation through 
the blood of Thy dear Son. The lines are fallen unto us 
in pleasant places. We ha\'c a goodly heritage. Thou 
didst lead our fathers to this region of beauty, fertility, 
and hidden wealth. Here they rejoiced in Thy smile, 
and trembled at Thy frown. On this frontier of civiliza- 
tion and Christianity Thou didst call them to stand for 
that liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free. 
Help us, O Lord, to-day, as the revolving year and the 
rounded century recall the scenes of carnage and sounds 
of wailing, to estimate truly the purchase and the price. 
We would tenderly recall and enshrine in our hearts the 
memory of those who braved the storm to shelter their 
succeeding generations. We bless Thee for the heritage 
of truth and freedom bequeated to us. Make us faithful 
stewards of this great trust. Called to stand against 
human wrong, or hellish unbelief, may we be strong in 
the Lord. Open thine eyes to behold the mighty power 
enlisted on the side of divine and human right. Let 
peace and righteousness prevail in this favored valley 
and in all our land. May Thy word enlighten every 
household, and Th\' spirit enliven every heart. May our 
rulers be peace and our exaftors righteousness. Bless 
especially, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy servant, the 
Chief Magistrate of this great nation, and endow him 
richly with wisdom and all heavenly grace. And may 
the chief executfve officers of all our States be partici- 
pants in the same rich blessings. Impress upon our 
legislators a deep sense of their responsibility. May the 
ermine of justice be everywhere preserved from pollution. 
May our whole people be a God-fearing people. And 
when we leave this earthly heritage to our children, may 
we enter upon that inheritance — incorruptible, undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away — reserved in Heaven for all 
them that love the Lord and wait for His appearing. 
And the praise and the glory shall be unto Him who 
sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever. Amen.' 



no MEMORIAI- S'^KVICKS 

At this juncture the Presidential party arrived on the 
platform, accompanied by Governor Hartranft and staff 
in full uniform, the President being at once recognized 
was greeted with prolonged applause, and on being in- 
troduced by Col. Dorrance, Chairman of the Kxecutive 
Committee, spoke as follows: 

THE president's ADDRESS. 

''Ladies and Fclloiv-Citi'jcns : It will be impossible for 
me to make myself heard by any considerable part of 
this great assemblage. I do not think, however, that it 
is of any great importance, as I have not been set down 
for any formal speech on the programme. The centen- 
nial which we commemorate to-day differs materially 
from any of those more joyous ones celebrated during 
the past three years. Yours — ours, if I may be permit- 
ted to say so, for the battle of Wyoming one hundred 
years ago to-day was of national importance, and being 
a citizen of our great republic, I claim some of the glory 
and endure some of the sorrow that attaches to any of 
its citizens. And living as we do, removed one hundred 
years from the stirring events of the Revolution, we ha\'e 
had a c'onsiderable number of centennial anniversaries, 
and Pennsylvania has borne so important and honorable 
a part in those events which made u> a nation of free 
men, that it is not to be wondered that 'the celebrations 
in this State should be largely attended. The great 
deeds of daring warriors and accomplished statesmen are 
enthusiastically remembered. But this grand ingather- 
ing of the people here to-da\' is a peculiar one in man\' 
respefts. It is not the ccl('bra»^ion of great militarv 
achievements or wonderful statesmenship. It is a jiioneer 
demonstration in honor of \.\\c mL-n and women who 
settled this valley, reclaimed the wilderness, ani fitted 
it up for the habitation of a civilized people. Almost 
ever\' part of these United States has its similar celebra- 
tions in honor of the pioneers, and most ^f them h u'e 



Ar rilF. MONUMENT. Ill 

passed throut^di the same bloody experience in their con- 
tests with the wily savages of the forest. It was so with 
James river, the "dark and bloody ground' of Kentucky, 
in Ohio, and the same scenes are to-day being enafted 
in Idaho. Arizona, Colorado, and elsewhere." He then 
gave his views on the manner of our treatment of and 
treaties with the Indian tribes. He did not charge all 
Indian wars to unfair dealing, but said they were some 
times instigated by unprincipled white men. or prompted 
by foreign nations. He said that in any event in their 
intercourse with the red men, white men should be pro- 
te6led in their homes and possessions. He paid an elo- 
quent tribute to the gallant Custar, and said that in case 
war with the Indians could not be avoided, it should be 
made as short, sharp, and decisive as possible. 

The President's speech was listened to with marked 
attention, and at its close Mr. Steuben Jenkins presented 
him with a handsome buck-horn wood cane, having a 
solid gold head, engraved with the words, "Presented 
to the President of the United States by the Ladies of 
Wyoming, July 3d, 1878," and the gift was gracefully 
acknowledged by the recipient. 

Hon. Hendrick B. Wright was next introduced by the 
Chairman. Col. Dorrance. Col. Wright had prepared the 
address of welcome, but at this point in the proceedings 
so great a hub-bub and commotion was caused by the 
appearance of eighteen Onondaga Indians in full war 
paint and feathers, direft descendants of the redskins, 
some of whom assisted in the massacre, that to attempt 
an address of welcome, or anything else, seemed a hope- 
less task. These distinguished braves took seats on the 
platform in true Indian style, by squatting upon the 
floor, and everybody seemed to be impelled by a childish 
desire to get a sight of them in their normal simplicity 
of attitude. Had it not been for the facl that the Onon- 
dagas are now a partly civilized tribe, and that they no 
longer follow the war path, their presence at this time 



112 MEMORIAL SliRVICES 

could have been nothing less than odious; as invited 
guests, however, they were welcome, and lent a special 
feature to the occasion. 

During the height of the excitement the speaker said 
the white people here making all this racket and confu- 
sion behaved more like savages than did these children 
of the forest, from whom lessons in decorum u'ere to be 
learned by many present. But at length order was re- 
stored, and Col. Wright delived the following address: 

COL. WRIGHT'S ADDRESS. 

My Friends: I speak the prologue of this centennial 
anniversary. I am but the Herald, to proclaim the 
opening ceremonies of this grand and imposing pageant, 
and to bid you all a welcome to this consecrated ground, 
baptized in the blood of heroes. A hundred \'ears have 
made their annual round since the exciting events oc- 
curred which make this field immortal. A thousand 
cycles more will detraft nothing from its renown, nor 
dim the lustre of its glor)-. The Wyoming battle field 
is chronicled on the page of history. The\' will live to- 
gether; one will not survive the other. We do not form 
our opinion of the grade and charafter of the battle we 
assemble to commemorate, compared with other fields, 
as to the numbers engaged or slain, or the consequences 
dependent upon the issue. If this were so, the small 
band at Thermopyhe, who fought under the shade of 
Persian arrows, or the charge of the Six Hundred at 
Balaclava, would be absorbed in the fame of Marathon 
and Platea. of Jena and Waterloo. On tliis ground four 
hundred breasted an uneven conflict, and three hundred 
of the four were left upon the sanguinarx' field. History 
furnishes us with but ^cw examples, in the great battles 
of the world, where the carnage was so great, comjjared 
with the rank and file of the little army which filed out 
of yonder fort on that fatal 3d day of July, 1778. Our 
estimate of the character of the battle of Wyoming must 




,^:^^^i.c 'e^^^S;l/>i^^.lf 



^ 



AT THE MONUMENT. tl3 

be formed upon the courat^e and valor ot" our men; upon 
their deeds of daring on the field; upon their contempt of 
death itself, and of the almost unprecedented slaughter. 
Measured in this way, the undaunted courage of the fouf 
hundred who braved the storm of serried war will favor- 
ably compare with the like number of men that ever 
marched on a battle field, under any captain, in any age, 
or in any land. And in the name of these mart\-rs, 
whose lives were sacrificed upon the altar of Freedom; 
here upon this field, stained with their hearts' blood, in 
the presence of this vast multitude, I boldly challenge 
the world— barbarous, civilized, or enlightened — to name 
their suneriors in cour.'ige and manly fortitude. To their 
countr)'- they dedicated their lives. We are here to reap 
the rich harvest of their faultless memory. May their 
daring example, in future trials, be our cloud by day and 
pillar of fire by night. 

A hundred )'cars have passed, and he who speaks to 
ynilias scored seventy of these; and in that long and 
eventful time our love and affe6lion have clung closer 
and closer to their memories. To those of us wdio were 
born ij this valley, and have listened to the sad story of 
the b.i Itle and massacre from the lips of those who 
mingled in the fray, or have had the tradition handed 
down to us fresh and green from the reeking field, there 
comes up at this time, and amid this display, a sensation 
of profound veneration for the bravery and valor of our 
dead. Many of us, who are residents of this valley, have 
become owners, by inheritance or purchase, of the estates 
of the men who fell in the battle, and on them we have 
erefted our family altars and reared our children; and 
thus, year after year, has the power of association brought 
us in close and intimate relations with the story of the 
stirring and exciting events of this field. To us, there- 
fore, there is no battle ground which ranks with that of 
our valley home. It is the common property of us all; 
nor can we allow partition to be made of it. 



(f4 .UE;\roRrAL services 

But It is no part of the duty assigned me, in this day's 
business, to speak of the details of the conflict, or the 
massacre, which made this spot one of the most bloody 
and. revolting scenes of the Airrerican Revolution; nor 
fo classify or enumerate the opposing, contending forces 
who met here in hostile array, or name those who con"t- 
manded, who fell, or who escaped the dread ordeal of 
battle; nor shall I dwell upon the repulsive and sanguin- 
ar)' deeds which on this plain leveled civilization to the 
instincts of brutes. Where the Vv'ar between men speak- 
ing the same language, born under the same government, 
and in some instances linked by the sacred ties of the 
same blood and kindred, made the slaughter more hide- 
ous and a carnage unparalleled. The civilization which 
marked the Christian era a hundred }'ears ago should 
have governed and controlled the angry passions and 
turbulent will of men reared and educated under the 
sublime lessons ot the cross. The unbiased judgment of 
an enlightened world asserts this. But the feelint^ and 
conduft of those infuriated men, composed of British 
regulars and volunteer American Tories, were in accord 
with the wild and untamed children of the forest, im- 
pressed with the idea from infancy that bloodshed, and 
torture, and revenge were manly virtues, and the proper 
subje6ls of reward in the spirit world, totalh' ignorant of 
those God-like principles of clemenc^^ mercy, humanity, 
and forgiveness, revealed to man, and sealed in blood 
upon Calvary. 

For these untutored children of nature there was an 
apology in their afts of brutality pra6liced upon our un- 
fortunate people, captured upon the field and afterwards 
submitted to the torture. But what can be said in ex- 
tenuation of the wicked conduct of that other branch of 
the invading army, composed of Tories and British reg- 
ulars, born and educated under the genial influences of a 
higher order of civilization, and imbued with the belief 
of the future accountability of man, who, it they did not 



AT THE MONUMENT. \\\ 

pnr'tlcipate in Indian revoltin<^ barbarities, might at least 
have suppressed the frantic orgies, or alleviated the. 
cruelties by the sudden death of the vi6lims.^ 

Of the details of these horrid scenes, at the close of 
the battle, I shall not speak; or of the heartrending sen* 
sibilities of those who were out of danger, but witnesses 
of that carnival of blood that made that night hideous, 
which threw its dark mantle over a field of horror and 
woe; or of the widespread consternation which visited 
helpless and terror-stricken women and children, whose 
fathers and husbands and brothers lay orostrate upon 
the field of death; or of the wild, devouring flames which 
consumed and devoured their humble dwellings— ^a per- 
fect bon-fire of hell, and a torch-light in the path of 
demons! The recital of these events is assigned to those 
who will follow. 

As the Herald, at the close ot a century of years, and 
after the long and composed sleep of our fathers, I stand 
here to-day on the same ground where they fell, and in 
the presence of tens of thousands of sympathizing and 
anxious people from all parts of this broad country, to 
proclaim the opening of these imposing ceremonies. 

And in behalf of the illustrious memory of the dead, 
and with the good will and generous impulses of the de- 
scendants- of those whose brave and honorable deeds 
have summoned us together, as well as by the united 
voice of the whole population of the Valley of Wyoming, 
I bid you welcome! Welcome, visitors, to the land once 
occupied by heroes! This is no empty and unmeaning 
pageant. It is an ele6lric chord that binds the living to 
the dead. The visible and invisible in communion. 
Earth and heaven clasping hands. Memory, rich, exult- 
ant, triumphant, impressing the great multitude with the 
moral lessons of imitation. Do thou likewise, when the 
time and occasion demand the sacrifice. 

You corne here with willing hearts to swell this grand 
pageant, making it imposing in numbers, and grand in 



If6 MEMORIAL SERVICES 

your s}mpathies. You come, with laurels in your handfy^ 
to help us weave a chaplet for our dead, and to join us in 
swelling an anthem in their praise. You come, a count- 
less multitude, far exceeding any these mountains and 
plains ever witnessed before. You come, in strength 
and majesty; the high official and the man of toil; the 
rich and the poor; the high and the low; without class 
or distinclion; all upon the common level of equality; 
worshiping at one shriiie; imbued with one idea — honor 
to the dead. 

But \(!'U come in the hour of peace and tranquility, 
rhe terrific yell and screech of battle have lost their 
echo in the decades of a hundred years; the mountain, 
w alls which skirt this lovely valley will hear it no more 
forever; the glittering spear and lance are broken; the 
smoke of musketry has ascended to the clouds; the red 
.stains of blood are blotted out; the groans and anguish 
of the dying have ceased; and the widow's wail and the 
Orphan's cry are silent; the forest trees, under whose 
branches deeds of daring valor were done, have fallen 
before axman's blows; and the virgin glebe has }'ielded 
to the plow-share of the husbandman. 

You come in the hour of peace and plenty; the fields 
of waving grain proclaim your welcome; blades of corn* 
supply the blades of steel; and old nature has cast a 
smile over the hostile field; the tear that suffused her 
eye dropped upon fresh graves; but it was a tear of 
welcome to the dead hero, for it was a symbol of im- 
mortality. 

But you come with sympathizing hearts. You come 
to bow in silence over the mouldering bones which repose 
in peaceful grandeur at the base of yonder mausoleum. 
Humble in its pretentions for the great event it chroni- 
cles, but its blocks of granite have been piled up by 
grateful hands, and by men with throbbing hearts. The 
loftiest pyramid of the Nile is no more expressive than 
this little shaft which designates the spot where our 



AT THE MONUMENT. I I7 

fathers fell, and commemorates their valor; and never 
did lofty column rest upon the bones of braver or more 
patriotic -men. There is solemnity in its simplicity; there 
is eloquence in its silence. It is a type of the pure and 
rugged men whose names are carved upon its tablets. 
It is the monument of our Bunker Flill. Let it be vene- 
rated for the great idea it suggests — '"Diilcc et dccoruiii 
est pro patria mori." It tells us there is a reward for the 
brave and good. By night and by day, in sunshine and 
storm, in the winter's cold and the summer's heat, it 
silently, but significantly, points to the spirit home of 
the men who sleep the sleep that knows no waking at 
its solid base. 

We respeft it, too, because it bears the names of many 
of our most honored citizens, and who are among the 
representative men of this fair valley. And those of us 
"who had no friend or brother" in the fight, but born 
upon the soil, or having selefted the valley as our home, 
will not be second in our love and veneration for the 
men whose memory it preserves. The hundred thousand 
people who to-day are residents of the Wyoming Valley 
claim this monument, and the glories which cluster 
around it, as their coinmon property, and their joint in- 
heritance. 

Let us here, then, in the presence of each other, upon 
this battle field, and beside the bones of patriotic heroes, 
resolve to support and maintain that Government which 
they, with other patriotic men, established in this land 
at the cost of their lives. Let us be moved by that im- 
pulse which is above and beyond all others — the perpet- 
uation of the American Union! And to that league, let 
the departed spirits of the slain upon this field bear 
witness. 

MRS. WATRKS' ODE. 

Next came the beautiful ode, "Wyoming," composed 
by Mrs. Watres (Stella of Lackawanna), of Scranton, a 
gifted sister of song to Dr. Hollister of the same place. 



Il8 MEMORIAL SERVICES 

Set to music by Mr. C. B. Denman, Musical Dire6lor of 
the day. Chorus of 500 voices. Band accompaniment 
(sixty pieces). 

WYOMING. 

Over the dust of a century's dead, 
Hushed be our laughter, and muffled our tread; 
Voice no loud anthem; we stand where they stood — 
Kinsmen that hallowed the turf with their blood; 
Soft as the strains of a lute o'er tlie sea. 
Let the deep chords of our symphonies be; 
Noiseless the footfall, and low bowed the head. 
Over the dust of a century's dead. 

Who has not shuddered, with cheek ashen pale. 
At the appalling and soul-thrilling tale, 
Traced o'er the page of a weird long ago. 
With the deep pathos of measureless woe ? 
Who never traversed — tho' seas roll between — 
Cool breathing wildwood and shadowed ravine. 
Where rang the war-whoop and bended the bow. 
Of a red-handed and treacherous foe? 

Curls the blue smoke from a home so apart 
That never quickened a throb of the heart, 
O'er the dire story of rapine and wrong. 
Blighting our beautiful valley so long ? 
Stretches a solitude — gloom-girt and far — 
Where gleams a sunbeam, or glitters a star, 
That never caught, from the night-wailing blast. 
Hints of our tragic and terrible past ? 

As clears the mist from the forehead of night 

Brightening the sky; see! what sparkle, what light, 

O'er the green slope of meadow and hill, 

Where the wild roses are nodding at will: 

Over the river that moaned in its flow. 

Twice Hfty perilous summers afo, 

Where, by its tide, in the sunset's low fires, 

Fell, with slow torture, our fiend -hunted sires. 

Down the far centuries — winding tlieir way 
'Mong the gray vapors of time — shall the clay. 
Tenderly wrapped at the granite's pure feet. 
Be all forgot in life's hurry and heat ? 
No ! sob the waves from the muse-haunted shore; 
No ! sigh the forests, with arms drooping lower; 
Nor may the years — swift as eagles above — 
Purge the red stain from the valley we love. 



AT THE MONUMENT. IIQ 

Over a century's historic dust, 
This be our legacy, this our proud trust — 
That no invading and arrogant tread 
Press the dear turf folded over our dead: 
And the sweet tide of each incoming spring 
To our fair homes no disloyalty bring: 
This be our legacy, this our proud trust. 
Over a century's love-hallowed dust. 

In the proi^ramme of exercises, C. I. A. Chapman, Esq., 
of Pittston, was assigned to deliver a short address, but 
it was found that the exercises as arranged were too ex- 
tended, and the address was omitted, as was that of 
Judge Dana, who also gave way to the next on the pro- 
gramme. The following, being the closing paragraphs 
of the address of Mr. Chapman, as intended to be deliv- 
ered, is well worthy of a place in the annals of the day, 
the entire paper not being at hand: 

MR. chapman's address. 

A late writer and traveler speaking of the ruins of an- 
cient Balbec says: "A race of gods or of giants must 
have inhabited Balbec many a century ago. Men like 
the men of our day could hardly rear such temples as 
these. In a great pit in the quarry still lay tne mate of 
the largest stone in the Temple of the Sun — a solid mass 
of stone, fourteen feet wide, seventeen feet high, and 
seventy feet long, squared and ready for the builder's 
hand, just as the giants of that old forgotten time had 
left it when they were called hence; just as they had left 
it to remain for thousands of years, an eloquent rebuke 
unto such as are prone to think slightingly of the men 
who lived before them." 

Friends, let me repeat the sentiment, "They left it to 
remain for thousands of years an eloquent rebuke unto 
such as are prone to think slightingly of the men who 
lived before them." 

Such there are in the world — self-sufficient and vain 
glorious fools — who look upon the present as the most 



120 MEMORIAL SERVICES 

perfe6l of all ag-es, and the paSt as barbarous and value- 
less. To such this monumental pile speaks in no soften- 
ing or subduing tone, carries no majestic and solemn 
front; but to the true philosopher and sterling patriot its 
utterances are neither trivial or obscure. That obelisk 
which commemorates Wyoming's day of suffering and 
sorrow stands before you in its modest grandeur, as com- 
pleted by my fair countrywomen, with the simple story 
told upon its sides far better than I can narrate it. 

As Napoleon said to his legions at the foot of the 
Egyptian pyramid, "The past generations look down 
upon you from the summit of this monumental pile, and 
call you to lives of fortitude, of virtue, of patriotism; call 
you to sacrifice all of greed or of lust, of passion or of 
prejudice, and lay them willingly and cheerfully upon the 
altar of your country, her institutions, and her honor," 
so let yonder cold and silent monitor, mute in the lan- 
guage of the baser senses, yet ever appealing to the finer 
emotions of our natures, remind us that it is our dut}- to 
emulate the virtues and patriotism of those brave men, 
whose mortal remains are now mouldering back to 
mother earth beneath its solid foundations, and who 
yielded up their lives on this plain, that we, their de- 
scendants, may enjoy the fruits of the sacrifice. 

The past can never return. The future is before us all, 
and I know not how I can sum up all I would sa\' in 
conclusion better than by continuing the c]uotation with 
which I set out, wherein the author describes his emo- 
tions as he visited the Egyptian Sphinx. Something of 
his pathos and his meaning I would ascribe to our mon- 
ument here: 

"After years of waiting it was before me at last. The 
great face was so sad, so earnest, so longing, so patient. 
There was a dignity not of earth in its mien, and in its 
countenance a benignity such as never anything human 
wore. It was stone, but it seemed sentient. If ever 
image of stone thought, it was thinking. It was looking 



At rilK MONUMKN'I'. 121 

towards the verge of the landscape, yet looking at noth- 
ing — nothing but distance and vacanc\'. It was looking 
over and beyond everything of the present, and far into 
the past. It was gazing out over the ocean of time; 
over lines of century waves which farther and farther re- 
ceding closed nearer and nearer together, and blended 
at last into one unbroken tide away tf)wards the horizon 
of remote antiquit)'. It was thinking of tfie wars of de- 
parted ages; of the empires it had seen created and 
destroyed; of the nations whose birth it had witnessed, 
whose progress it had watched, whose annihilation it had 
noted; of the joy and sorrow, the life and death, the 
grandeur and decay of five thousand slow revolving 
years. It was the type of an attribute of man; of a fac- 
ulty of his heart and brain. It was memory — retrospec- 
tion wrought into visible, tangible form. It is grand in 
its loveliness. It is imposing in its magnitude. It is 
impressive in the mystery that hangs over its story, and 
there is that in the overshadowing majesty of this eter- 
nal figure of stone, with its accusing memory of the 
deeds of all ages, which reveals to the beholder some- 
thing of what he will feel when he shall stand at last in 
the awful presence of his God." 

This it is friends^ — this spirit I would here invoke; this 
feeling I would here arouse, and bid it lift \'ou out of 
your fond dream of selfishness and littleness to the grand 
conception of American liberty! The idea that all mate- 
rial greatness and grancleur; all accumulation of the 
fruits of science, art, and industry; all that wealth may 
amass, learning ornament, and philosophy develop, are 
but as the small dust of the balance compared with the 
preservation of eternal justice, mercy, and truth — of the 
immortal principles on which American liberty is based, 
and without which it must soon crumble to utter and 
indistinguishable ruin! , 



122 MF.MORIAI. SERVICES' 

I'Ijc Rev. Charles Dana Barrows, of Lowell, Massa- 
chusetts, was then introduced, and, after a few remarks, 
read the followini^'- poem: 

A TRIBUTE OF MASSACHUSETTS TO WYOMING. 

11 J^E come with reverent feet 

To .staiul beneath the shadow of thy hills, 
While, touched hy unseen hands, the being thrills- 
With strange vibrations as, with awe, we meet 
Thy past, O vale of tears ! 

Within this magic hour 

The circuit of a hundred years is closed. 

And with electric thrill, where all reposed 
But yesterday, the echoes leap with power. 
Forth from the thrall of years. 

With the pulsating air 

We breathe the terrors of that fearful strife — 

See in each shining leaf the red man's knife. 
And sunlit dew-drops on the lily fair, 
Are newly fallen tears. , 

Oh ! is it not a dream ? 

The answering dove ; intone a requiem soft. 

The willows fling despairing arms aloft, 
Then droop, in hopeless grief, upon the stream. 

Far up among the pines, with mighty surge, 

The echoes meet in mournful rise and swell. 

While quivering grasses in the .shady dell. 
Mingle their murmurs \\;ith the solemn dirge. 

The falling torrent shivei-s in their power; 

The niountain tops are veiled in folds of haze. 
Whose vapory blueness hides from mortal gaze 

Their still, mute agony in memory's hour. 

Wrapped in majestic .silence, grand and stern. 

The giant cliffs their awful .secret keep; 

A tremor stirs even the lake's calm deep. 
Smiling to cheer the timid fluttering fern. 

Shrinking we stand, to hear and .see and feel 
The dead past springing up to life anew, 
When, sweeping on before our wondering view, 

Ikliold ! we trace the wheel within a wheel. 




(;;;^^::i^^--7^ ^. ,c^(jZl--'-H-^<^ 



AT THE MONUMKNT. 12^ 

TRolleil through the ages by the hand divine, 

It leaves amid the gloom a track of light;' 

Thus the fair vale received a glory bright, 
And blessings that eternally will shine. 

He-re Freedom made her regal resting-place, 

And mighty deeds were born of courage rare, 

While saintly women — gentle, pure, and fair 
With strength from Heaven, met death with shining fate. 

Or, cowering within the "Shades of Death," 

They wept for loved cues killed before their eyes. 
Watched their dear homes in flames, and smoke arose. 

Mingling like incense with their praying i)reath, 

Bathcti in supernal radiance from t!ie cross, 
Brave souls went up to wear a martyr's crown, 
And, from the heights of Heaven to-day look dowp 

To see their victory through pain and loss. 

The winding Susquehanna's peaceful flow 

Gave earnest, then, of a triumphant hour, 

Fed from tlie hills — is moved in cpiict )iower. 
Amid the sorrows of the plain below. 

The circuit breaks, the century moves on 

All nature smiles — but, as cloud-shadows fal) 

At noon, come tender memories of all, 
Who gave us liliefty, so dearly won. 

The following address was prepared bs' Judge Fldmund 
L. Dana, whose grandparents on both sides — the Stevens' 
and Danas — were killed in the massacre, but not read, 
as the programme was found to be too extended to ;id- 
mit of all the exercises laid down therein: 

UnxU-: DANA'S ADDRESS. 

The Battle and Massacre of Wyoming have been so 
often and circumstantially described in history, and will 
be so beautifull)- presented in the poems, and so full)' 
treated in the addresses, to which yoiu" attention will 
soon be invited, that a lengthy account at this time 
would be a needless addition to the overcrowded pro- 
grainme of the day. 1 he\' are, however, the events we 



124 MKMORIAL SF.RVICES 

are here to commemorate, and a brief introductory reci- 
tal of the leading ra6t>, on the spot where they occurred 
may serve to explain the exercises which are to follow, 
and thus add to the interest of the occasion. 

The battle was not one of the great battles of history, 
either in the skill displayed, the numbers engaged, or in 
the casualties suffered. It was fought, however, against 
superior numbers, arms, and discipline, and in defense of 
life and home. It was great in the motives which 
prompted and the courage which inspired the heroes 
who gave their lives to their country and their example 
to all time. 

One iumdred years ago this day they stood where we 
stand. The same July sun shone upon them, the same 
river reflected its beams, the same soil was beneath their 
feet, and the same mountains enclosed them. Stationed 
upon a remote and exposed position, tiiey had been dis- 
ciplinetl to trust in God and in their own strong arms 
The trial of their faith and strength was at hand; an ene- 
my who recognized no plea for mercy, no rule of civilized 
warfare, was upon them; hate and havoc occompanied 
their march. 

The few defenders of the valley whom the pressing 
exigency of the general government had left at home, 
numbering between three and four hundred, were gath- 
ered in council at Forty Fort on the morning of July 3d, 
1778, and after consideration of all the fafts within their 
reach, resolved on giving battle. The enemy, compris- 
ing about four iiundred British provincials, a body of 
Tories, and from five to seven hundred Indians, entered 
the valie)- on the morning of June 30th, through a notch 
of th e mountains just above where we are now assembled 
On the 1st of July they took possession of Fort Winter- 
mute, treacherously delivered to them, and having dis- 
patched parties to gather cattle and provisions, a flag 
was sent, and another on the morning of the 3d, demand- 
j)g the surrender of Fort\- Fort. Both were promptly 



AT THE MONUMENT. 12$ 

refused. Learning from his scouts, and those accompa- 
nying the flag, that the Americans were preparing to 
attack, the Tory Butler, at about two o'clock in the 
afternoon formed his forces in line, with the left, under 
his immediate command, resting on the rising ground 
just above P^ort Wintermute, whilst the left, consisting ot 
Indians and Tories, occupied a swamp. Parties of Indian 
marksmen were concealed on either flank. 

The American force consisted of only six organized 
companies, and were joined as they marched out, at about 
two o'clock P. M., by such of the old and young in the 
Fort, as were able to handle a gun. From the Fort to 
the Monument, they came along the route of the present 
road, and thence to where they met the enemy their line 
of march was along the brow of the steep bank which 
separates the low river flats from the plain. From time 
to time, as the small column advanced, scouts were sent 
forward, and precautions taken against ambuscades and 
surprise. On approaching Fort Wintermute, then in 
flames, they found themselves in front of the enemy, and 
deployed the left into line ; the right, comprising Cap- 
tains Bidlack's and Hewitt's companies rested on the bank 
and the left under Captains Whittlesey and Stewart, upon 
the swamp. The distance from the bank to the swamp, 
and the length of the respeftive lines of battle, were some 
five hundred yards. Col. Zebulon Butler supported by 
Major John Garrett commanded the right, and Col. Den- 
ison aided b)- Lieu't. Col. Dorrance the left of the line. 
Advancing in this order they met the enemy, and at 
about four o'clock began firing, advancing as they fired, 
whilst the British left wing slowl^^^ and in good order fell 
back. The firing was rapid and continuous along the 
whole line, and was especially destructive upon the Ameri- 
can left. The Indians in overwhelming numbers and with 
fearful yells, issued from the swamp and turning their 
flank began to close in upon the rear. The only alterna- 
tive, asreinlorcements could not be furnished, was a change 



126 MEMORIAL SKR VICES 

of front in this portion of the Hne : But with undiscip- 
lined troops, with an attenuated Hne, in which death had 
made large gaps, and where a dense growth of scrub oak 
and pine impeded regularity of movement, the attempt 
to retire the left flank under such pressure and embar- 
rassment resulted in its giving way. The Indians and 
Tories, encouraged by success rushed from their coverts, 
and although on the part of staff and company officers, all 
that courage could do, was done, the line gradually crum- 
bled away from left to right, and finally, broke from con- 
trol and fled. In many cases officers and men disdaining 
to fly were shot down fighting at their posts, and some 
few left alone by the flight and pursuit, passed througii 
the swamp lately occupied by their foes, to the mountains 
and thus escaped. The Indians having gained the rear 
of the American left before the flight began, dispatched 
with rifls, tomahawk and spear, many of the fugitives, 
whilst many more were captured, and their deaths that 
night, at " Bloody Rock" and other points, amid the glare 
of torches and savage yells and dances, with such aggra- 
vation of cruelty as malice and mockery could devise, 
have caused the day and event to be designated as a 
massacre rather than as a battle. The force which 
marched from Forty Fort numbered as stated, between 
300 and 400 men. After the massacre 227 scalps were 
presented by the Indians and payment made for that 
number by the British government. Many are known to 
have been shot in the river, whose scalps were not taken, 
so that two hundred and fifty would seem to be a reason- 
able estimate of the killed. This exceeds the number 
whose names are inscribed on the monument, and the 
number given by the several historians of the valley. It 
■is believed, however by those who have carefully exam- 
ined the records which time has brought to light, that 
the accuracy of this estimate can be established b\' ade- 
quate proof, and a commitee has been appointed by our 
local historical society carefully to en(iuire into and re[)()rt 
upon the fa6ls. 



AT TlIK MONUMENT. 12/ 

The duty assigned to me, of presenting a brief outline 
of the battle and its disastrous results has been accom- 
plished. To others, on whose alloted time I may not 
encroach, it belongs to tell of the dcstru6lion of property 
and homes, of the weary wanderings of defenceless wid- 
ows and children, to gather up and group the sad lessons 
of that day, and also to speak of the flowers of peace, 
prosperity and wealth which in the century just closed, 
have sprang up to bless the soil bedewed with our fathers 
blood. 

FAIR WYOMING. 

Next came the original ode, "Fair Wyoming". Con- 
tributed by Miss. Susan E. Dickinson, and set to music 
by Prof. Charles Pabst of Wilkesbarre, wdiich was ren- 
dered by the centennial chorus, led by Prof. C. B. Der- 
man. The words are as follows; 

■l/OICE of proud .song, on all our hills 

Send forth a mighty tonel 
Make thou our dead who nobly died 

To latest ages known. 
Let every wind that sweeps abroad, 

Be vocal with their fame, 
Till high hearts, near or far, are stirred 

At fair Wyoming's name. 

Breathe low, breathe low, oh voice of song) 

For martyred ones who fell, 
Mother and babe, by burninr homes. 

Thy requiem notes must swell. 
Yet with the dirge should blend a strain 

To tell of triumph won ! 
We reap the fruit they sowed in tears; 

Sing out their benison ! 

Remember these, with those who pressed 

To battle bravely on ; 
The young, whose bright fair brows yet wore 

The glory of the dawn ; 
The old, who gathered back their strength. 

For God and home to die ; 
Ring out, ring out, oh voice of song, 

Of praise and^victory ! 



BEAUTIFUL WYOMING. 



A poem by Rev, Henry Coppee, L. L. D., President of 
Lehigh University* 



THE INVOCATION. 



OTREAM out, O flag, o'er mount and plain,- 
To greet this glad Centennial morrow ! 

They reap, in joy, the ripened grain, 

Whose fathers sowed in blood and sorrow 



Let thundering salvos rend the skies, 
War's music lend its thrilling power^ 

And shouts of men accordant rise 
To welcome in this happy hour. 

Anon, let reverent silence rest ; 

An instant hush the wild commotion. 
While mute appeals, to Heaven addrest, 

Arise on wings of pure devotion. 

Then when the fervent prayer is said, 
Let grand thanksgivings rise in choru9 

To Him who, as the years have sped, 
Hath sent His cloud and fire before us 

O Thou, who wast our fathers' God, 
In danger's dark and bloody hour, 

Btill be their children's sure abode, 

Their refuge strong, their mighty tower 



FAIR WYOMING. 



k\ MATCHLESS vale, when first the white man's eye 

Caught a bright glimpse from yonder fissure high 
He saw the ideal of the poet's dream, 
And claimed thy beauties for the poet\ theme. 
To him no fairer region had the sun 
In his revolving journeys lieamed upon : — 
Pure, limpid rills, bright skies and balmy air-, 
Rich ])lains, glad promise to the planter's care -, 
The jjainted hills, in checkered beauty proud, 
Flecked with the varying shadows of the cloud ; 
P'rom Lackawanna's gap to Nanticoke, 
Crowned with embattled pine and \ine-wreathed oak. 

The mighty river pours its brimming tide, 
While bending o'er the marge on either side. 
Scarlet and purple flowers inflame the wood. 
And on the stream reflect their mantling blood. 
The red deer, pencilled on the clear blue sky. 
Tosses in pride his antlered crest on high. 
Then, bounding swift to shun the gaze of men, 
Seeks his sure covert in the tangled glen : 
While soaring high, in majesty serene, 
The fierce gray eagle hovers o'er the scene, - 
Unconscious symbol, in the days to come. 
Of patriot valor, and fair freedum'.s ho\ne ! 

Wh-i: wonder that of this romantic vale 

In distant lands went forth the alluring tale ? 

That blue-eyed Saxon and mercurial Celt 

Came to find homes where perfect freedom dwelt ? 

1 Campbell's Ledge a precipitous ledge, about five hundred feet high, on the e.ii* 

baf'k of the river, at a point where it enters the valley from the north. 



I30 MEMORIAL SERVICES' 

That bleak New England sent her thrifty niers 
To seek for richer fiekls i» this fair glen ? 
That, warmed to life by CampbeU's tender tale 
Of Gertntde, fairest flower of all the vale, 
Old Pantisocracy would fain renew 
The social fabric which a Plato drew ? 

Put one there was, \Vho, in a nobler quest. 
Came, with the zeal of Heaven within his breast ; 
Good, pious Zinzendorf, who journeyed far. 
Not for the greed of gold, or spoils of war : 
(ientle and honored in his native land, 
He left his friends and home at God's command ; 
And, counting earthly riches biU as dross. 
Plunged deq^ into the forest with his cross, 
And fearless ^^1)0(1, where wondering natives ran 
To hear strange tidings of the Son of Man. 

See, as he lies- beside the forest fire, 
Like Paul at Melita 'mid dangers dire. 
The wily Indian glides, the axe is raised : 
What stays his arm, what hath his vision dazed ? 
O'er the reclining form, innocuous creeps. 
The deadly serpent, while the good man sleeps : 
The murderous foe starts back — " The mail is blest 
Tis the Great Manitou that guards his rest L" 

The days of settler strife and feud are o'er, 

Peace spreads her wings on Susquehanna's shore. 

If hardy life condemn to daily toil. 

What rich rewartis rise teeming froni the soil I 

How large the promise made to honest worth 

Of a new Eden on this troubled earth ! 

On Susquehanna's banks, an age of gold. 

Like the pwrc age by ancient jioets told, 

When man, o»ce more, as in his first abode, 

.Secure troni siv^ and ill might walk with (Jod I 

[f day brought toil, when the soft waning light 

Recalled to rest with " voices of the night," 

A holy calm, with swifi but noiseless wing. 

Came down in angel guise on Wyoming. 

The miHin is up, one broad mv\ dazzling gleam 

Of ripjding glory lies athwart the stream ; 

The groups of gray -haired men, your sires of yore. 

Meet on the sward around the cottage door. 

Or wander thoughtful by the river's brim. 

And chant in unison, the holy hymn : 



.\T Till-: "NTONUMENT. i \l 

While to t!ie s luiid uf iUeasured music sweci 
The youths and maidens ply the nimble feet, 
With shout and soug, with laugJiiug gam^c and jest. 
Till thought of morning labor ivarasto jest. 

Years pass, the days cvf peace are nrimbei-ed now : 
Thick clouds are gethering oa the mountain's brovr : 
For, darkly horeriug ou the ■western verge, 
With English scorn and Tory hate to urge, 
The red man lurks with ancient vengeance fillecL 
To blast these fields by patient labor tilled : 
S^rief the delay, the ^portents quick expaaid ; 
The first blood spilt, xvar rages through the laK.l ! 
Our counlry calls, her valiant sons reply : 
■\Vhere honor beckons them, to do c«- die J 

.All who are strong to fight have left the glen. 
Its only guards are boy.s and ancient men. 
Yet, in that desperate hour no laggards they ; 
■Quick they build .forts to hold the foe at bay ; 
Nor yet too soon, for, ere the work is done 
Under the burning of the summer sun, 
.Hark ! from the western notch the distant druni- 
<jive token dread that heartless Butler conies ; 
Behind him streams a wild and cruel Ijand 
From the Six Nations of the Nordiern land. 

Never, since old Thermopylae was fought. 
Had sterner is;; ,e met the patriots' thou Jit ; 
They cannot fly, red ruin lies in flight ; 
No succor promi.scd, naiaght remains but fight : 
'Tis thus the council gives its last report, 
"Mid the tumultous scenes of Forty Fort. 
And valiant Butler, i doubting ere they go. 
Leads forth hi-s little band to meet the foe ; 
Not far, for serried ranks in proud array 
Are marching fast to bar their onward way. 



I Col. Zebulon Butler commanded the patriots, and Col John Butler, the Tone,, au«i 
Indians. It is not known tliat there was any relationship between them 



THE battle; 



AH, for a muse like his who sung 
Of Flodden field with fiery tongue;. 

And Scotland desolate ! 
Oh, for a strain to touch with tears 
Your eyelids through a hundred years- 

Since Wyoming's sad fate. 

Fierce Butler holds the left with rank. 
J'"irm posted on the river bank- 

While, stretching far away 
To where the hill and valley meet, 
The red man in his veiled retreat 

Lies panting for the fray. 

The host is hushed, no sound is heard 
Till rings the leader's clarion word, 
'•Stand finn, my boys ; to-day we fight 
For wives and babes and comitiy's right. 

For liberty and life !" 
Then glimmering in the noonday sun 
The fated band sweeps bravely on, 

And plunges in the strife. 
A thousand musket shots ring out, 
A thousand voices wildly shont ' 
And groans and shrieks that rise in air 
Tell of the cfreadful caraage tlierc : 
The war-whoop shrills from foe unseen. 
Then, bounding from the leafy sceen. 

Like tiger from his lair. 
The painted Indian comes amain. 
With arrv>vv-flight like stomiy rain. 

And lon\a]iawk in air. 

With I'ajiid glances cast around. 

Our leatler seeks a sitrer ground :' 

" Fall back," he shouts ; the unhappy worii 

Through battle din is faintly heard ; 

A fatal echo .sounds "retreat !" 

rhe meadow swarms with flying feet ; 

And Panic, with its withering breath, 

Strides o'er the field in league with death- 



AT THE MONUMENT. 133 

What any;uisl) filled tlie leader's soul 
When rank on rank, beyond control. 
Reels back and back, a stricken host. 
And flies the field before 'tis lost, 

Nor hears the frenzied cry : — 
■"Stand firm, my lads, O stay, yet stay ! 
And victory still may crown the day ; 

Or let us stand and die !" 

''"00 late, alas ! the huddlintx ranks 
Rush to the hills and river banks. 
On these the tomahawk is plied ; 
On those who seek the flowinsr tide, 
A thousand bullets spend their force, 
And strew the stream with many a corse- 
Mark but one fiendish deed, the worst 
In annals of war-crime accurst : 
Vou know the tale. With words of cheer, 
And sniilintj promisees to spare, 
A brother lured his brother back 
From the swift river's devious track. 

"Come safe to land," he cried : 
His father's son comes faint to land, 
And there, instead of rescuin^^ hand, 
He cleaves him down with fiendish scream. 
And throws him backward in the stream 

Dead, floatini^ on the tide! 

A ghastly scene the morrow's sun 
In lurid brightness shines upon : 
The Mohawk war-hoop echoes round, 
The mangled bodies strew (he ground ; 
The eager vulture swooping low, 
Follows the track of cruel foe 

To glut itself with blood; 
Till silent desolation's gloom 
Settles upon that field of doom 

By .'^usquelinnna's flcuxl. 



THE FLIGHT. 



r\V all the band that saw the morning H^'it 

I'lUt few were found to guide the fearful flight ; 
The war-whoop peals upon the Western wind ; 
The wilderness before and flames behind : 
Fear lends them speed ; by broken paths they fly. 
To cross the desert, o'er yon mountain high. 

And who the horrors of that flight can hear, 
Nor shed, even now, the sympathetic tear? 
Old women, taxed beyond the strength of years, 
Drop on the sand o'erwhelmed with mortal fears. 
Through Pocono they press with scanty breath, 
And call the mai-shy heights " Tiie Shades of Death. 
There, helpless mothers, sinking to the earth. 
In fearful travail of imtimely birth. 
Bear their dead babies by the dusiy road. 
And leave them naked to a chastening God ; 
Or, wandering on, in Nature's sorest pain. 
Clasp the dead blossoms with a frenzied strain. 
Till generous hearts come forth to greet and save. 
And give each waxen form its little gi-ave. 

The strife seems o'er, though desolation reign ; 
The wasted settler ventures back again. 
A touching .story crowns that later time ; 
No sadder tale is found in poet's rhyme : 
One child there was wlio met the bitterest fate. 
Snatched by an Indian from her flying mate, 
While, rushing wild, like (Grecian Pythoness, 
The mother shrieked her impotent distress. 

Poor little Frances,! sought by friends in vain, 
Through weary years of hope deferred and pain : 
Sad .supplemental trophy of the war, 
Borne through the wilds'to western lands afar. 
At last by Wabash stream, a willing slave, 
She grew an Indian — squaw of Indian brave : 
No more remembered Susquehanna's tide ; 

Frances .Slocuin, iiamcil by tier captors .Maconaqua 



AT THE MONUMENT. 135 

Her dusky brood around her rose in jiride. 

And yet strange visions o'er her soul would stray, 

Delicious glimpses of an earlier day ; 

Till, when long years had past, her kinsmen came.. 

Traced the old features, called her by her name.; 

Back rushed the past with overwhelming tide ; 

Once more she stands on Susquehanna's side ; 

Beholds as in a dream her motlier's face, 

As once it shimmered in a last einbrace, 

'Tis passing strange : We read her story now. 
Poor Maconaqua, with her furrowed brow, 
The lonely wigwam l:)y the prairie broad, 
.No lingering memory of her mother's (jod ! 
We cross the vale of intervening years. 
And give her yet the tribute of our tears. 

A hundred years I how changeil the scene to-day J 

.Nature still smiles, though man and art decay,; 

Industrial science waves her magic wand, 

•And wealth and comfort crown the happy land. 

Where once the settler tilled his little field. 

The j'awuing depths a richer trea.sure yield. 

And genii of the mine, with clang and tramp, 

Show greater marvels than Aladdin's lamp ; 

"I'urn earth to ashes, with a glory bright, 

And fill our homes with genial warmth and light. 

A hundred years ! where your great grandsires bled 
Their honored record still with i^ride is read ; 
Their children's children still possess the soil 
Which yielded scant subsistence to their toil. 
Where Butler faced the fearful battle shock, 
Your Butlers vindicate the proud old stock. 
Here, where Fort Jenkins frowned upon the plain, 
An heir of Jenkins keeps the old domain ; '■ 
With patriot zeal and antiquarian taste, 
(lathers rare relics of the battle waste. 
l)orrance,2 at liome, Jooks out upon the flood 
Once crimson with his brave ancestral blood ; 
While Denisons and Bennets proudly tell 
How in those days their fathers fouglit and fell, 
lilame not the'poet that he may not name 
.\11 wlio illumine this bright r )11 of fame. 

1 Steuben Jenkins, Esq. 

2 Col. Charles Dorrance, grandson of I iciit Col fieorcre DoiTarce, who f«'! ii; 
she i?atl!e. 



136 MEMORIAL SERVICES 

One man there was, allied to many there : 
Ever in Wyoiiiins^ to memory dear. 
Fashioned in Nature's best and stateliest mould, 
A frame of iron and a heart of gold, — 
Knightly but gentle, lofty but devout ; 
Ever for truth his manly voice rang out ; 
When this fair vale of Wyoming is sung. 
His noble life is theme for every tongue : 
When native worth and honor are iM-oclaimed. 
Let lohn N. Convngham be jiroudly naniccbi 

And thou, O friend of youth's illusive hour, 

Illusive in all else save friendship's power. 

Shall we forget how, on the hostile plains. 

Where Montezuma's sj^irit yet complains. 

We read our Greek, or sang our roundelays, 

On weary march, or by the camp-fire's blaze ? 

Time hath wrought changes ; but \\ ith steadfast truth 

Thou hast well kept the promise of thy youth ; 

An upright judge, a ]5atriot soldier true, 

O man of arts and arms, I sing to you ! 

Well pleased if, when another century end, 

The poet shall be known as Dana's friend. 2 

A hundred years ! llie seed our fathers sov.ed 
Grew to rich verdure, watered by their blood ; 
A century plant I by Heaven's peculiar grace 
It stands to-day a glory in its place ; 
And now the unsealed petals wide expand, 
To send rich perfume through the smiling land ! 

A hundred years, fair town, who.se stones were laid 
When Wilkes endured and generous Barre plead. 
Proud is thy lot to-day ! A Nation comes 3 
To the glad welcome of thy river homes ! 
As long as rolls bright Suscjuehanna's wave, 
Bc-thou proud warder of the patriot's irave ! 



1 Judge John Nesbit Conyngham was for thirty years on the bench of Luzerne Countv 
as President Judge. He married Aliss Butler, a grand daughter of Col. Zebulon Butler. 

2 Edmund L. Dana, a Captain of Pennsylvania Volunteers in the Mexican war; Colonel 
of the 143d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers during the war of the Rebellion ; Brevet 
Brigadier-General. Additional Law Judge of Luzerne county. He is the great-grandson of 
Adjutant Anderson Dana, who fell in the Massacre. 

3 The President of the United States, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-general, 
the Govenor of the Slate and his staff, were present at this celebration. 



AT THE MOXUMKNT. 

Tcacc Ik- for aye h.-irjath thy niouiuain caves, 
Anci jik-iity fill th.'c w'.th It-T Inns.';) i sli-.ives I 

And th )u, my cijuiitry 1 laiul t)f every clime. 
From Howery tr.Jplc to the Artie rime, 
1-a.iid of the po.ni) of streams and moantain pride ■; 
Laml of the ocean ijorders, stretchin;j; wide ; 
Land of our fia^^j, bright galaxy of stars - 
In peace a guide, a meteor in wars ; 
Whos; stripes, by danger's tempest wide unfurlt-d. 
Stream proud defiance to the unfriendly world ; 
Tair land, where honest toil has mted and worth. 
And man is man, whatc'er his rank and l)irth ; 
Centennial land, for thee our prayers ascend I 
tiod keeps thee ever until Time shall end I 
While flocking to thy light the peoples comc 
To share thy plenty and to tind a home. 

In I'aith's perspective glass I see revealed 

A larger harvest in a wider field. 

O let us labor in this fruitful ground, 

That when a hundred years shall run their round. 

Treacling the noble path our fathers trod, 

Our motto — " Love to man and love to Ciod" — 

Our harvest home, by future poet told, 

Shall be Coitcnwal frii'tt —a htindi'c'd fold\ 

■ My task is done ; the struggling muse takes fliglil 
To higher regions of empyreal light ; 
Vet, as her form in air grows dim. 
She leaver to future bard this jiarting hymn ; 



Sing of our .sires' heroic deeds, 

A spirit-stirring song ; 
Let hill, and stream, and fertile mead- 

The grateful sound prolong. 

Here, where upon this hallowed land, 

They fell before their foes. 
Here, where wild nature 'neath their hand 

Has blossomed with the rose : 



{$S MEMORIAL SERVICES"' 

Here, where above their honored dust" 
Their memoiy still is bright, 

A beacon-ray to guide the just 
Onward to perfect light ; 

Here tell again in loftier strain 
Their virtues and their fame, 

Till every ear shall thrill to hear 
Ef.ch loved ancestral na.me. 

O Thou, who wast our fathers' God 
In danger's darksome hour. 

Still be their children's sure abode- 
Their refuge and their tow-er I 



The reading of the foregoing- poem was listened to 
^vith marked attention by all of the vast audience within 
sound of the author's voice, and at its conclusion he was 
the happy recipient of some flattering congratulations 
for his splendid literary effort, heartily and honestly be- 
stowed by the President of the United States, and mem- 
bers of his Cabinet, who were delighted auditors on the 
speaker's stand. 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 

Hv Stkubkn Jknkins Esq. 



There is no event of equal magnitude, that occupies so 
large and conspicuous a place ; none that has made the 
scene of its enactment so celebrated in. history and song, 
as that of the Battle of W\'oming, with its attendant mas- 
sacre and conflagration ; none that has so largely called 
forth the execrations of mankind against the one side, and 
their feelings of compassion and sympathy for the other. 

We are met to day to recount the scenes enacted here 
on this ground just one hundred years ago, and to com- 
memorate the valor and patriotism of that little band of 
heroes who went forth to stay the march of the ruthless 
invaders of their soil and save their families, their homes, 
their flocks and their harvests from havoc and destru6lion. 

They were not soldiers, trained and inured to martial 
service, well armed and equipped for the fray. They had 
no great commander with an army of veterans, going forth 
conquering and to conquer ; to sate his mad ambition or 
wreak his vengeance upon an innocent, unoffending peo- 
ple. There was no one among them who possessed an ab- 
solute command. They were principally old men and 
boys unfit for the aftive and arduous duties of the field ; 
who, from inefficiency had remained at home, while the 
young men. better fitted for those duties, were serving in 
tlie ranks of our countr\''s defenders in a distant field. 



140 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

It was no war of ambition, of plunder, or of revenge ofl 
their part ; it was to save themselves and their families 
from butchery, their homes from the torch of the incen- 
diary, their flocks and herds from being slaughtered or 
driven off, their harvests from being destroyed, and their 
liberty from being overthrown. ' 

\Vc cannot talk (M" judge of them a.s soldiers, for soldiers 
.they were not. We cannot talk of them as an army, for 
an .irm\- they were not. They were simply a hasty gath- 
ering of a rural settlement for defense against their inva- 
ders. As such I shall speak of them to day. As such 
Uc must judge of their acls. 

To more fully understand the position of affairs on that 
terrible day and night of carnage, devastation and blood, 
go bick with me in the history of the Valley for one hun- 
tlrcd _\ears ; for it is of that jicriod of its history we are 
met here to-day to talk an J reilecl. We find quite a dif- 
ierent state of affairs existing here then, tVom that 
Vvhich surrounds us here to-day. 

Instead of cities and towns, the abodes of wealth, of 
luxur\- aiid ease, we see onl\- a little hamlet or two, with 
lo;^ lujuses scattered heie and there, occupied by Ijusy 
toilers winning from the willing earth in the sweat of their 
brows, the means of subsistence. Instead of cleared 
fields, stretching from mountain top to mountain top, dot- 
ted witli fme farm houses, palatial in sixe and in grand- 
eur t)[ adornment, surrounded with large fields, finely 
fenced a'nd subdued to the wish of the cultivator ; we find 
an almost forest waste, with here and there only a cleared 
.-pot, encumbered with sturn[^s and brush, mostly bord- 
ering on the ri\er. 

Insti:ad of the screech of the locomotive, as it wheels 
its ccjurse through the \-,il!e\' at more than race horse 
speed ;■ coinmunitating and exchanging the interests and 
business of the whole countrw and bearinga share of the 
connncrci- of the world to ami fro through it ; was heard 
\\\r hcjwi ol' voracious vvoU'cs, the' screech ot the stealthy 



AT THE MONUMENT. I4I 

panther, and the friohtful yell of the more stealthy and 
blood- tiiirsty Indian savage, bearing terror, desolation 
and death to the unguarded settler. 

Their communications with the outer world, instead of 
being borne upon the lightning's rapid wing, instanta- 
neously throughout the whole continent, were borne on 
horseback or on foot, through an unbroken forest, with- 
out roads or bridges ; and it was a five or six days' jour- 
ney out, and as many to return again, and then only the 
nearest antl feeblest sttlements were reached. 

In passing from house to house through the settlement, 
instead of hearing the organ or the piano swelling forth 
their rich strains of liarmon\', or the hum and clatter of 
machinery gathering the abundant harvest and preparing 
it for the market, we hear the hum of the spinning-wheel, 
the bang of the loom, whack of the thrashing flail, the 
stroke of the felling axe, the grinding of grain with the 
pestle and morter. 

Tin? people were lew and scattered, covering a hundred 
miles up and down the Susquehanna, lim.ited in means 
and resources, and yet, with brave and true hearts, they 
battled maiifully against the toils, the sufferings, the 
privations and dangers that pressed them on ev^ery side. 
Such was tile condition of the settlement here, one hun- 
lired years ago. 

And w ho were those people thus isolated from the rest 
of the civilized world, the pioneers of a new colony, strug- 
gling with povc:rty ;ind want, battling with foes without 
and foes within, and yet maintaining their ground amidst 
all their dangers, affliflions and sufferings ? 

They were principally born and raised in the land of 
"steady habits ;" were the sons and daughters of the hon- 
est \eomanry of Connecticut and Rhode Island ; not the 
refuse of tow lis, not gold hunters or greedy speculators, 
•or reckless adxenturcrs. but the j'oung, the energetic and 
enterprising part of a rural population, whose parents 
were ministers, deacons, ;ind inenibers of Evangelical 



142 HISTORICAL ADl^RF.SS. 

churches. Those from Rhode Ishmcl were mostly Quakers, 
or Friends. They came to fell the forest, cultivate the 
land, and establish a society on the banks of the beau- 
tiful Susquehanna, where, under a more genial sun. and 
on a more fertile soil, they might enjo\' all the privileges 
of their ancestors, and transmit to their posterity homes 
possessing all the chara6leristic excellencies of those of 
New England. They were joined in this enterprise by a 
company of settlers from Dauphin and Lebanon counties, 
of Presbyterian stock, who settled the town of Hanover. 
These were chiefly Scotch-Irish and German. 

They brought the gospel- and the gospel minister with 
them and provided liberally for their support. They 
established schools and made ample provisions for edu- 
cation throughout the settlement, laying broad and deep 
the foundations for a religious, intellectual and moral 
community. Such were the sources whence came the 
people whose story we are telling, such the people them- 
selves. The labors, the sufferings, the dangers and deaths 
they endured in preparing the ground and sowing the 
seeds of future prosperity and greatness tor their descend- 
ants accomplished their work, and have given, not alone 
to their descendants, but to hundreds of thousands from 
all parts of the civilized world, abundant cause for grati- 
tude and jo\'. The soil they hallowed with their blood 
yields to us a bountiful supply of all that can gladden 
the heart and make life happy. 

With these introductory remarks I will at once enter 
upon the history of the events of the day we have met to 
com.memorate, and yet, to treat of them properly, it be- 
comes necessary to detail, to some extent, the preceed- 
ing history of the times which wrought out the.se events 
and their sad termination. 

The country was engaged in a great and earnest strug- 
gle for freedom from the exactions and tyranny of British 
government. It was the common cause of all the colo- 
nies, and nowhere was th:it cause more earnestly espoused 



AT THE MONUMENT. I43 

and more ardently sustained than here, at Wyoming. In 
addition to this cause for anxiety and disquiet among the 
settlers, another existed, which had, up to this time, 
given them more trouble and been productive of greater 
alarm. This was the struggle with the Penn propietors, 
and those claiming under them, for the supremac}' in 
government, and the right of soil where they inhabited. 
Although this struggle had much to do in framing the 
destin)' of the people here, and, in fact, in bringing the 
great evils about, that wrought, ruin, desolation and death 
to the settlers, there is no occasion to go into a history 
of that struggle, beyond a statement of its grounds and 
what it may be necessary to mention in passing on in our 
narrative. 

Ill 1620, Charles I., of England, granted to the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of 
Warwick, and others, under the name of "The Council of Plymouth." "All 
that part of America lying and being in breadth from forty degrees of north 
latiturb to thi firty-ei j;lith, i.iclasively, an 1 in l^ir.^a 1th throu^hoat the main 
lands from sea to sea." 

Robert, P.arl of Warwick, in 1630, obtained from the "Council at Tlym 
outh," and the next year, 1631, having obtained confirmation of his title, by 
royal patent from ('harles L, conveyed to Lord Say and Seal, Lord Brook, 
and others, "All that part of New England, in America, between the fortieth 
and forty-third degrees tjf north latitu<Ie, from Narraganset river on the east, 
to the South sea on the west, throughout the main lan<ls." ^ 

This grant was confirmed by royal patent from Charles 
II., on the 20th of April, 1662, from Narraganset bay on 
the east to the S(.'Uth sea on the west. The Pacific ocean 
at that time was known as the South sea. VV\'oming 
lies within these bounds. 

On the 4th of March, 1681, Charles II., by royal char- 
ter, granted to William Penn, as Proprietary and Gov- 
ernor, the territor)' embraced in the present State of 
Pennsylvania, which covered one degree of latitude ot 
the same territory previously granted by him to the 
proprietors of the New England grant. i'he New Eng- 
land settlers claimed Wyoming under the grant of 1662 ; 
the Pennamites claimed it under the grant of 1 68 1, from 
the same King. This was the ground of contro\"c:-sy, 



144 HISIORICAL ADDKKSS. 

and out of this controvers)-, and from the efforts made 
on both sides to effect a settlement of the disputed ter- 
.ritory, each side to the exclusion of the other, the strug- 
gle between the claimants arose. 

This struggle existed at the first inception of the Rev- 
olutionary contest, and was raging with great fierce- 
ness when the oppressive acts of Great Britain, and the 
battles of Concord and Lexington called off the thoughts 
of the settlers from their own petty confli6l, where a few- 
acres of land only, were involved, to that mighty conflict 
in which their liberties and the fate of empires were 
swinging in the balance. 

Accordingly, on the first of August, 1775, immediately 
on receiving the news of those battles, the settlers as- 
sembled in t&wn meeting and offered terms of compro- 
mise and accommodation to the Pennsylvania claimants, 
during the great struggle with the common enemw 

The proceedings of that town meeting are entered on 
their records as follows : 

"At a meeting of the proprietors and settlers of yc town of Westmoreland,'" 
(this was the town name by which Wyoming; was then known) "legally warne-1 
and held August i, 1775. 

Mr. John Jenkins was chosen Moderator for ye work of ye day. 
^ Voted, That this town does now vole that they will strictly observe and fol- 
low ye rules and regulations of ye Honorable Continental Congrjss, now sitting 
in Philadelphia. 

Resolved, by this town, that they are williug to make any accommodations 
with ye Pennsylvania party that shall conduce to ye best good of ye whole, 
not infringing on the property of any person, and come in common cause of 
Liberty in ye defense of America, and that we will amicably g',\e them ye of- 
fer of joining in ye proposals as soon as may be. 

At a meeting held by adjournment, August the 8th, 1775. 

Voted, That this this town has but of late been incorporated and invested 
with the privileges of the law, both civil and military, and now in a capacity 
of acting in conjunction with our neighboring towns, within this aud the other 
colonies, in opposing ye late measures adopted by Parliament to enslave Ameri • 
ca ; also, this town having taken into consideration the late plan adopted by 
Parliament, of enforcing their .several oppressive and unconstitutional acts of 
depriving us of our property, and of binding us in all cases, without e.Kception, 
whether we consent or not, is considered by us highly injurious to American 
or English freedom ; therefore, we d o consent to and acquiesce in the late pro- 
ceedings and advice of the C'.)ntln.'ntal C^wgre^s. nnd do rejoice that those 



AT THK MONUMF.NT. 14; 

measures are adopted aud so universally received throui^liout the continent, and 
in conformity to the eleventh article of the association, we do now appoint a 
committee to attentively observe the conduct of all persons within this town,(l 
touching the rules and regulations prescribed by the Honorable Continental 
Congress, and will unanlmously join oik iskeihkkn in Amekica iniiik. 

COMMON CAUSE OF DEFENDING OUR LIBERTY. 

Voted, That Mr. John Jenkins, Joseph Sluman, Esq., Nathan I )enison, Escj.. 
Mr. Obadiah Gore, Jr., aud Lieutenant William Buck, be chosen a commit- 
tee of correspondence for ye town of Westmoreland. 

Voted, That Jonathan Fitch, Mr. Anderson Dana, Capt.Wm. McKarrachen. 
Mr. Caleb .Spencer, Capt. Samuel Ransom, Lieut. George Dorrance, Mr. 
Asahel Buck, Mr. Stephen Harding, Mr. John Jenkins, Jr., Mr. Barilla Tyler, 
Jr., Mr. Elijah Witer, Mr. Nathan Kingsley, Mr. John Secord, and Mr. Robert 
Carr, be chosen a committee of inspection for ye town of Westmoreland." 

The resolutions passed at both these town meetings 
were drawn by their Moderator, and tlie rneetings were 
called and held at his suggestion. 

These proceedings cast the die for the settlers of Wy- 
oming. They now girded their loins and immediately 
commenced putting themselv^es in readiness to meet the 
responsibilities of their position. 

These terms of compromise, thus offered by the set- 
tlers to the Pennsylvania claimants, were made known to 
them, and also to Congress. On the 4th of November 
following, Congress passed a resolution recommending 
the Pennsylvania claimants to accept of the terms pro- 
posed. Congress was supposed to speak the sentiments 
of the Pennsylvania part}', and it was presumed that the\- 
would be governed in their a61ion by its recommendations, 
and hence the settlers neither suspected nor feared an\- 
further difficulty in that dire6lion. It appears, however, 
that the Pennsylvania party, supposing that the settlers, 
relying on the just recommendations of Congress, would 
have all their suspicions lulled to rest, and would be un- 
prepared to meet and successfully combat a stealthy 
attack, set in motion a force of seven hundred men to 
make a secret expedition against Wyoming. Intelli- 
gence of this movement being received in Philadelphia, 
Congress immediately, on the 20th of December. 1775. 
resolved, "that it is the opinion of this Congress, and it 



14^ I'llsloklCAi. Al)f)ki:ss. 

is ;iccordini;l\- rccomiiUMlcJ, that the contcndini^" parties 
immediately cease all hostilities, and a\'oid every ap- 
pearance of force until the dispute can be legall)' de- 
cided, etc." 

These recommendations, however wise and just, were 
all unheeded by the highwayman, Plunket, who had 
charge of the expedition. He was thirsting for plunder, 
and was not to be choked off in this way. With the 
order of the Governor of Pennsylvania in his pocket, he 
hastened his movement "to e.x'pel the Connefticut set- 
tlers from Wyoming." Well supplied with arms, provis- 
ions and military stores, loaded on a large boat, he 
marched with his force, called a "posse," from Fort 
Augusta, (Sunbury.) in the early part of December, ac- 
companied b\- William Cook. Sheriff" of Northumberland 
countv, to give the movement the appearance of a civil 
proceeding. 

The progress of his force was necessarily regulated by 
the movement of the- boat containing their provisions 
and stores, and as the boat had to be propelled against 
the current, very much impeded by floating ice, the ex- 
pedition did not reach Nanticoke falls, at the lower end of 
the \'alle\-, until the 24th of December. Here Plunket left 
his boat, loaded his men with provisions and" amunition, 
and started on foot ^or an attack upon the settlements 
abo\e. Their route la\' on the west side of the river. 
The)- had not proceeded a mile when they observed be- 
lorc them a ridge of rocks, presenting to them a precipi- 
tous front, rising from a fool or two high near the river, 
to a point 8oD feet high on the mountain. Behind de- 
fenses built on this ridge, were posted the settlers, to the 
number of about SO'J. \\aiting the advance of Plunket. 
ICich sicU' hid skirmishers out, and considerable skir- 
misliing was done, in which some were killed on both 
side-s. .As Plunket api)roached. the settlers arose and 
discharged a volley of nuisketr\- which threw Plunket's 
force into disonier. and it at once retreated. An ex- 



AT THE MClNLMKNT. 1 47 

amiiiation of this natural rampart shewed it to be im- 
impregnable, and the expedition seemed utterls' thwarted. 
Plunket, however, fell back on his boat, and taking a 
batteau which he had brought with him, commenced 
conveying his troops across the ri\'er. 

The settlers, foreseeing that some move of this kind 
might be made, had stationed men there under Lieuten- 
ant Stewart to prevent it. As the boat neared the shore 
it was fired into and one man killed, when the others, 
including Plunket, lay down flat in the boat and suffered 
it to float down the river over the falls. The troops on 
the western shore discharged a volley into the bushes 
whence the firing proceeded and killed one of the settlers 
named Brown. Plunket at once retreated and abandon- 
ed his enterprise. 

At a town meeting held March lo, 1776 : 

"Voted, That the first man that shall make fifty weight of good saltpeter, 
in this town, shall be entitled to a bounty of ten pounds lawful money, to Ix- 
paid out of the town treasury.'' 

Mrs. Bethiah Jenkins, wife of Lieutenant John Jenkins, says the women took 
up their floors, dug out the earth, put it in casks, and ran water through it, as, 
ashes are leached. They then took ashes, in another ca.sk, and made lye, 
mi.xed the water from the earth with the lye, boiled it, set it out to cool, and 
the saltpeter rose to the surface. Charcoal and suphur were then pounded and 
mixed with the saltpeter, and powder was thus produced for the public de- 
fense. — Miner, p. 212." 

John Jenkins, representative from Wyoming to the 
Conne6licut Assembly, at May sessions, 1776. obtained 
liberty to ere6l a powder mill at Westmoreland. 

At the first news of the conflift at Concord and Lex- 
ington many of the young men of Wx'oming hastened to 
join the colonial forces, near Boston, to resist the en- 
croachments of the British government and maintain 
their liberties, and some of them arrived in time to take 
part and fall in the battle of Bunker Hill. 

Later, and during the winter of 1775-6, a number re- 
moved their iamilies back to Connecticut, and thence 
proceeded to join the army under Washington. 

Col. Wisner, of Orange county. New York, visited the 



Li's fllsTokU'Ai. A()l)i<K>;!^. 

V.ille_\- for the puriiose of obtaininc^ recruits. Lieut. CJb:i- 
(li;ih (lorc, witii twenty or thirt\- others, marched under 
Wisner to the field of conflift. 

On the 4th of July, 1776, Congres.s, after due deliber- 
ation, declared the Colonies independent of the British 
crown. 

At a town meeting held at Wilkes-Barrc, AiigiKt 24, 1776, Col. Zebulon 
I'mler, Moderator lor ye work of ye day : 

"A'oted, As the opinion of this meeting, that it now Ijecomes necessary for 
the inhabitants of this town to erect suitable forts, as a defence against our 
com'.iii'ii enemy. 

riiat tliis meeting do recommend it to the jieojile, to proceed forthwith i-n 
iiuilding said forts, wiiiiori' KiiUKK !•»: or kewakd kkom yk town." 

In ]:>ursuance of this vote, John Jenkins. Stephen Hard-* 
ini;, the Ciardners, their relatives, with their friends, pro-- 
ceeded to build a stockade arouud the house of John 
Jenkins, which \Vas called "Jenkins' Fort." This was in 
K.xeter township, now West Pittston. about ten or twelve 
rods above the northwest end of the Pittston ferry bridoe. 

h'Jisha Scovell and some other inhabitants of P^xetef 
township, joined with the Wintermutes, the Van Alstynes, 
<ind others, from Montague township, Susse.x county\ 
i\'ew Jersey, in building a fort a n-^ile or more below, on 
the brow of the plain, where a fine spring flowed from 
the foot of the hill forming the plain, which was named 
"Winter mute Fort." 

The inhabitants of Kingston ererted a fort, an ;vcre or' 
niorcMn extent, on the west bar.k of the Susciuehanna, in 
that township, on the town [)lot. near the centre of the 
town, which was named " l-'\)rty l^^irt," from the la6l 
that the township was originally settled by forty i:)ropri- 
ftors and divided ecjuaily among them. 

I'pper Wilk-csbarre had its fort just above the mouth 
of Mill Caeek, iunlt to guard and control the mills ere6led 
'.)n that slrca.m, called " Wilkesbarre I'^)rt." 

There w.is a fort in the town plor of Wilkesbarre, sit- 
uate on tin- ri\er ba/ik just below St)uth street, callec! 
"W couTirr'j T'ort. ' 



AT ri4F. MONUMENT. I49 

The inhabitants of Hanover erefted a block-house on 
tlie bank of the river, some three miles belovv- Wilkesbarre, 
called "Stewart' Block-house." Shawnee, or Plymouth, 
had only a pretence for a fort. 

Besides these Was the stockade at Pittston, on the east 
side of the a river, nearly oppsite Jenkins P'ort. This was 
a place ofsome strenj^th and importance. The people of 
Pittston and its neighborhood all sought prote6lion with- 
in its ample space and behind its rugged log stuftures. 

While these proceedings were being had at Wyoming, 
Congress had her attention turned to that locality, as 
appears by the following proceedings of that body : 

•'Friday, Auj^ust 23, 1776. Res ilved, That t\vo companies, on the Conti- 
nental establislinient, be raised in the town of Westmoreland, and stationed in 
proper p/aci's for tJw dt-/\ ihl' of tlu • iuhahitaiit^ of said to7i.in, and parts adjacent, 
lill further order of CoiiLjreNs ; tiie cum missioned oflicers of the said two com- 
panies to he immediately appointed i)y Congress- 

Tiiat the |)ay of the men to lie rai>ed as aforesaid, commence when they ari: 
'ariui'd and mustered, and that they le liable to serve in anv ]iart of the United 
S'.aies, when ordeied 1)\' Congress 

That ihe saiil iiDop^ be crnli-,ted to -erve during the war, \mless sooner dis 
viiarged by ('ongiess. "' 

.August ■26th Congress proceeded to the election ofsun- 
dr\" ofticors. when Robert Durkee and Samuel Ransom 
Were elected Ca])tainsol the two companies ordered to be 
raised in the fov\n of Westmoreland ; James Welles and 
Pi-nin Ross, I'"irst Lieutenants ; Asahel Buck and Simo;5 
Spaulding, Second Lieutenants, and Herman Swift and 
-Matthias Hollenljack, kLnsigns of said companies. 

I-^arl)- in .September information \\as recei\ed of the res- 
solutions ot Congress, and rende7,\-ous for the enlistment 
ot men on the terms proposed, were opened by Captain 
Durkee on the east, and Captain Ransom on the west 
side: of the StisqLieh<inn;i. 

1 hese- companies of Diu-kce and Ransom had been al- 
leady in e.\istcn:e for some time, and had tendered their 
serxices to Congress, but the)' had not their full quota, as 
Veciuired, and some little ilela}- was necessar>- that there- 
-.jtiisite number mi^ght be raised. .Some Lhange in the offi- 



150 HIS lORKAI. ADDRKSS. 

cers was made, Lieut. Bucl': resigned his ptisitioii, and 
John Jenkins, Jr., was api)ointed in his place. 

On the 17th of September the two companies comjile- 
ted their t[uota and were mustered into the serxice ot 
Congress, and were known as the "Two Independent 
Companies of Westmorehmd." 

At a meeting' of the Connefticut Assembly, in October. 
1776, an aft was passed for raising a military comp:ni\- in 
■the town of Westmoreland, to be a part of the 24th Reg- 
iment of Conne6licut Militia, of which compan\- Solomon 
Strong was appointed Captain ; (Jbadiah Gore. j\., I'irst 
Lieut., and John Jenkins, Jr., Second Lieutenant. 

As has been stated, Lieut, (iore had gone with ,1 bodv 
of men, under Col. Wisner, and Lieut. Jenkins had joined 
Capt. Durkee's compan)\ before their appointments were 
made by Conne6licut. 

We thus see how a6liv^ely and earnest 1\- our peo[)le had 
engaged in the struggle against tlieir oppressors, and to 
maintain the declaration of Congress. 

But the enmy were quite as a6live. 

The American army, under Gen. Washington, pursued 
by an overwhelming force, was driven from Long Island, 
and, on the 15th of September 177^, New York was taken 
possession of by the British. 

On the i6th, F'ort Washington fell into their hands. 
Washington was retreating before them from post to post 
through New Jersey, and on the 8th of December he 
crossed the Delaware. 

Congress immediately took measures to retire from 
Philadelphia to Baltimore. 

At this moment of excitement and imminent peril, they 
resolved "That the two companies raised in the town of 
Westmoreland be ordered to join General W^ashington 
WITH ALL POSSIBLE EXPEDITION. 

They then adjourned amidst the utmost trepidation, 
to meet in Baltimore on the 20th. 

The two Wyoming companies promptly obeyed the or- 



AT THE MONUMENT. I5I 

tiers, and before the end of the \-ear reached the place of 
rendezvous. 

About tliree weeks afterward, or on the 20th of Jan- 
uary, 1777, they took part in the battle of Millstone, 
and for their brave and g^allant conduct on that occasion, 
received the thanks of their commanding officers, in gen- 
eral orders. They were afterward in the a6lions at Bound 
Brook, at Brandy wine, at Germantown, and at Mud Fort. 
They were decimated by disease and the casualties o^ 
War, each company losing more than one-fourth of its 
original number. 

The general campaign of 1777 opened amidst gloom 
and despondency for the American cause. Gen. Bur- 
goyne, with a large and powerful army was descending 
from the north, along Lake Champlain and the Hudson, 
and Howe was moving up that river to join him, hoping 
thereby to sever the Eastern Colonies from the Middle 
and Southern. The Indians had, until tliis time, re- 
mained, in a great measure, quiescent, but they were se- 
duced from their partial neutrality, and, on the 20th of 
June, at Boquet river, taken into full service of the 
British, by Gen. Burgoyne, and a market was opened by 
him for human scalps, at ten dollars each, that the In- 
dians might gather in their work of desolation and death. 

The Tories, also, were roused up to join with the Brit- 
ish and Indians in their bloody work, and it now became 
evident that besides the regular warfare that might be 
expefted from civilized nations, the frontiers would be 
o\ er)u here overrun by the Indians and their more savage 
allies, tlie Tories, and would become one long line of 
conllagration, dexastation, and death. 

This state of affairs soon began to be felt at W)-oming, 
i\nd a •^\stem of guards and scouts was established and 
regular!}- kept up among the settlers, to watch the In- 
dian paths and the movements of the Tories,- a number 
of the latter li\ing on the northern border of the settle- 
nunt. It was soon ascertained that communication wa>" 



152 IllSl'ORK'AI. ADDKKSS. 

kept up by the rorics.rcskliii!^ at TLinkliannDck a;ul ah(n"c. 
with the Indians about Tioi^a, Clienunig, an-J Newtown. 

In the fall of 1777, many of the settlers on the ri\er 
above Wyoming, who mov^ecl into that locaht>' from the 
Dekaware, and from New York and lower Penns\ Uania, 
under the auspices of the Pennsxdvania government, be- 
gan to give manifest evidence of their sympath\- with 
the British crown, and of opposition to the American cause. 

In October, Lieut. Asa Stevens was detailed on a scout 
by the committee of inspe6lion, with nine men^ who re- 
turned bringing in five suspe6led persons as prisoners. 
In the latter part of November, Lieut. John Jenkins, 
while out on a scout, at Wyalusing. was betrayed by the 
Tories into the hands of a body of Indians that infested 
that locality, and was taken by the latter to Fort Ni- 
agara. Upon report of this facl at Wyoming. Col. Nathan 
Denison, of the 24th Conne6licut Regiment of m litia, 
organized his little force and prepared to march into that 
locality. He reported that on the 20th of December, 
being informed that a band of Tories were forming on 
the north and westward ot'.said town of Westmoreland, 
in order to stir up the Indians of Tioga to join the said 
Tories and kill and destroy the inhabitants of Connefti- 
cut, he ordered part of his regiment to be immediately 
equipped and marched to suppress the conspirators. 
The part)' marched about 80 miles up the river and took 
several Tories' (about 30,) and happily contented the 
Tioga Indians, and entirely disbanded the conspirators. 
Eighteen of these prisoners were sent to Connecticut, 
where "they were received and treated as prisoners of 
war, having been taken in arms against the United 
States." — See the War of the Revolution, p. 313-600. 

About the 13th of February, 1778, Amos York and' 
Lemuel Fitch were taken prisoners from the same locali- 
ty, and hurried off to Niagara. Richard Fitzgerald was 
captured at the same time, but being an old man, they 
discharged him. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 133 

Tlie prisoners, captured by the Indians and Tories, 
w (Me kept at Niaj^'ara all winter, amon^r a camp of Ijrit- 
ish, Iniiians and Tories, of the most brutal and degfraded 
character. Many of the latter were from the Susque- 
hanna, above Wj'omini^, and hence bore a particular 
enmity to the prisoners, who, from this cause, sulfered 
man)' hardships and injuries from the hands of their cai> 
tors and keepers. 

The force winterin;^'- at Niaii^ara had, a great part of it 
at least, been with Gen. St. Leger, in his attack on Fort 
Schuyler, in August previous, and, in consequence of 
their defeat there by the American forces, under Col. 
Gansevoort, w-ere greatly exasperated, and for tlris rea- 
son, were exceedingly venomous and cruel in their treat- 
ment of the prisoners in their charge. 

They received neither clothes, shoes, blankets, shelter 
nor fire, were kept starved for provisions — -and v.diat they 
received was of the worst kind, such as .spoilt flour, bis- 
cuit full of maggots and mouldy. The Indians would 
crowd around them with knives in their hands, and feel 
of them, to know who was fattest. They dragged one 
of the prisoners out of the guard, with the most lament- 
able cries, tortured him for a long time, and both the 
Indians and the Tories said they ate him, as it appears 
they did another on an Island in Lake Ontario. 

De Veaux say.s of this terrible place — 

"Niagara was the headquarters of all that was liarbarous, unrelenting and 
cruel. There were congregated the leaders and chiefs of tho.sc bands of mur- 
derers and miscreants who carried death and destruction into the remote Anier^ 
ican settlements. There civilized Europe revelled with savage Ame'rica, and 
ladies of education and refinement mingled in the society of these who only distinc- 
tion was to wield the tomahawk and the scalping-knife. There were the squaws 
of the forest raised to eminence, and the most unholy alliances between them 
and officers of the highest rank smiled upon and countenanced. There in this 
stronghold, like a nest of vultures, securely, for seven years, they sallied forth 
and preyed upon the distant settlements of the Mohawk and Susquehanna Val- 
leys. It was the depot of their plunder ; there they planned their forays, and 
there they returned to feast until the time for action should come again." 

It was amid such people and such scenes as these that 
our prisoners spent the winter, and of which they each 



r54 HISTORICAL address:. 

and all suffered their full share. Leaving our prisoners 
here for the winter, let us see how affairs were progress- 
ing at Wyoming. 

We have learned, as has been already stated, that 
nearly all the able bodied. men were away in the service 
of their countr\\ The remaining population, in dread of 
the savages and their allies, were building six forts, or 
stockades, requiring great labor, and "without fee or re- 
ward." The whole available force was formed into train- 
bands, guards, scouts, &c., and in constant active ser- 
vice. The small-pox pestilence was in every distrift, 
and no remedy or means then known, could arrest its 
spread or stay its virulence. 

"At a town meeting, legally warned, bolden December 30, 1777. 

John Jenkins was chosen Moderator for ye work of ye day. 

Voted, by this townj That the Committee of In.spection be emjwwered to 
supply tiie sogers' wives and the sogers' widows, and their families, with the 
necessaries of life."' 

Miner say.s of this vote — 

'•I.et it be engraved on plates of .silver I I^t it be printed in letters of gold ! 
(."hallenge Rome, in her Republican glary, or Greece, in her Democratic pride, 
. 10 produce, circumstances considered, an act more generous or noble ! 

Justice and gratitude demand a tribute to the praiseworthy spirit of the wives 
and daughters of Wyoming. While their husbands and fathers were away on 
public duty, they cheerfully assumed a large portion of the labor which female^ 
cniild do. They assisted to plant, made the hay, husked and garnered the 
corn and gathered the harve>t. They thrashed the wheat, or shelled the corn, 
and ground it in mortars with pestles, or putting it in a bag acro.ss a horse, 
WDuld get on top, and taking the youngest child in their arms, would thus con- 
vjy it to the nearest mill, sometimes a distance often miles, waiting till it was 
ground, that they might have bread for tlieir children on their return hume." — 
Miner, p. 212." 

The year i//^) brought great distrust and fear to the 
frontiers generally, but i)articularly to Wyoming. The 
surrender of Burgoyneat Siratog.i had left the British 
without sufficient avadablc force in America to carry 
on a regul.ir camuaign fur that year, and. as the war was 
t(^ i)e C(jntiniicd. the only resource left to the British 
government and her commanders, was to employ the 
Indians and Tories almost exclusively, in carrying on a 
war of desolation on the fiontier. This was their de- 



AT THE MONUMENT. 155 

clared policy, and it was at once suspe6led and feared 
that Wyoming would be among the first to be attacked, 
for none were so hated and exposed as the people on the 
Susquehanna. The}' had been among the first to declare 
against British usurpations, and had been the most aftive 
and earnest in supplying men and means to support that 
declaration. 

The position was known to be, in a measiu'e, delense- 
less, and far removed from immediate support, and their 
situation seemed to invite rather than repel the design 
of an invasion. A portion of the enemy, particularly the 
Tories who had settled up the river under the Proprietar)' 
government, were exasperated by the efforts of the peo- 
ple in the cause of independence, and their careful watch- 
fulness of the movements of all not co-operating with 
them, and especially by the arrest of some of their num- 
ber, who had betrayed certain of them and delivered 
them into the hands of the enemy, and it was strongly 
suspe6led that they would incite a movement against 
Wyoming, if it were possible to do so. 

It was known early in the spring of 1770, that a large 
force was colle6ling at Niagara, for the purpose of laying 
waste the frontiers of Pennsylvania, Virginia and New 
York ; and as early as P^ebruary, General Schuyler wrote 
to Congress to inform them that such was his belief. In 
March he wrote again to Congress saying: 

"A nuniber of Muvvhawks, and many of the Onondagoes, Cayiigas. and 
Senecas, will commence hostilities against us as soon as they can. It would be 
prudent, therefore early to take measures to carry the war into their country. 
It would require no greater body of troo])s to destroy their towns than to jiro- 
tect the frontier inhabitants." 

In this state of affairs, the people of the frontiers ap- 
pealed to Congress for forces for their protection. The 
people of Wyoming in particular, represented to Congress 
the threatning situation of their locality, and made an 
earnest appeal for aid. Moved by their entreaties. Con- 
gress came to the rescue of Wyt)ming, in the following 
remarkable resolution : 



156 . HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

"March 16, 1778 Resolved. That one full company of foot be raised in the 
.town of Westmoreland, on the east branch of the Susquehanna, for the defense 
of t!ie said town and the settlements on the frontier in the neighborhood thereof, 
a-.,'ainst the Indians and the enemies of these States; the said company to be en- 
listed to serve one year from the time of their enlisting, unless sooner discharged 
by Congress; and that the said company find their own arms, accoutrements 
£iid blankets."— Journal of Congress, vol, iv, p. 113. 

It would not be difficut to estimate just how mucli this 
resolution of Congress added to the effective force at 
Wvoming. It was equivalent to a suggestion of thi.9 
.sort : Wyoming has appealed to Congress for help- 
She needs help, undoubtedly. Let her help herself. She 
lias the permi.ision of Congress to do so; provided she 
builds her own forts, and furnishes "her own arms, ac- 
coutrements and blankets," and defends her settlements 
on the frontier in her neighborhood. 

If there was ever a case in which the asking for bread 
and receiving a stone was exhibited in all its enormity 
and ungratefulness, more than in this, history has failed 
to record it. 

Tiiis faft will stand out more prominently when it is 
understood that the Wyoming people had exhausted 
;\11 their means and force, available for a6live service, 
in fitting up iind sending out the companies of Durkee 
and Ransom, in addition to those who had gone back 
to Connecticut and entered the service there, and 
ihosc who had, under Lieut. Gore, joined Col Wisner's 
regiment. 

This astrniishing m;ignanimit\- of Congress was not 
.<jatisfa(5lor\- to the people of W\'oming. Having re- 
eeiveti inlcliigence of a meditated attack upon them, 
ihc>- again informed Congress — that same Congress — 
of the threatninc^ danger, and their exposed and defense- 
less position, and praxed tliat tlie two Wyoming compa- 
nies of L.'.rkee antl Ransom might be returned home, to 
i'uar.i and protect them through the impending peril. 
The\- felt th.it there shoidd be no difficulty about this 
demand being granted, as those coinpanies had been 
v.dsed for the express purpose of defending their homes. 



AT THE MONUMENT. I 57 

:\nd by the resolution of Congress, were to be "stationed 
in proper places, for the defense of the inhabitants of 
said town and parts adjacent." 

\Vl;en called upon, however, to go on the distant 
service of the Republic, in an hour of peril, and leave 
their homes defenseless, they marched with the utmost 
alacrity, not a murmur was heard, for every man felt that 
the case was one of urgency and imperious necessity, 
and not one of them, or those they left defenseless be- 
hind, entertained a doubt but that the agreement, "to 
be stationed in proper places, to defend their homes,' 
Would be religiously observed, and, when occasion re- 
quired, they would be ordered back to the Valley. 

But there was undoubtedly an influence at work on 
Congress, looking more to private advantage than public 
good, whose purpose would be better subserved by the 
destruction of the settlement at Wyoming, than b\- its 
preservation. That influence prevailed, and Wyoming was 
left to the fate that they knew so immediatel}' impended 
over her devoted people. 

A few straggling Indians and Tories, lurking about the 
settlement, pretending to be friendly, had been closely 
watched by the settlers, and they had become fully satis- 
fied that the presence of these strangers boded no good, 
but that their designs were evil. ;ind mischief was medi* 
tated for Wyoming. 

In the midst of the fear, the doubt, and uncertainty 
that prevailed amouL; the people, Lieut John Jenkins ap- 
peared upon the scene, having escaped from his cajitors 
and returned home. He, with York anti Fitch, h.ad been 
taken by the Indians earl)' in April to Montreal, wliere 
the Britisii authorities discharged York and Fitch, they 
not ha\ ing been found in arms, were not considered as 
properl\- prisoners of war. They were put on hoard 
British trans[)orts, to be conveyed to some point in New 
iv.igland, for release, b'itch died of fever on the \^oyagc; 
Voik sur\ i\cd until he re-ached the rc-sidence ol his fatJi- 



158 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

in-law, Mmassah Miner, in Voluntovvn. C.)nn., wlurj lie 
was taken sick and, died cle\'en days before ins iamilx' 
reached tlierc, in their flight from Wyoming;-, aitcr the 
massacre. He died believinsi' that his f.imilv had all been 
cut off in that massacre, as they had been dclayc 1 0,1 the 
way by sickness. 

Lieut. Jenkins was taken by the Indians from Montreal 
to Albany, to be exchanged for an Indian chief who was 
"a prisoner at that place, in the hands of the .Xmcricans. 
When the party arrived at Alban\'. the chief, for whom 
he was to be e.Kchanged, had died of the small-pox. Thc\- 
refused to exchange him for an\' other prisoner, but re- 
tained him, to take him to Seneca Castle, to be disposetl 
of by the Grand Council of the nation, which they ex- 
pelled would be gathered at that place, b\' the time the\' 
should arriv'e there. 

On the fourth night after the i)art\- left Albany, the 
prisoner, by the aid of a young chief, with whom a strong 
friendship had existed from the first period of his captiv- 
ity% made his escape, and arrived at home on the 2d of June. 

He brought information that the great mass of the 
Tories from up the river liad wintered at Niagara with 
the Indians and Jiritish, that the\' had been insolent 
and abusive, had threatened to return in the spring, bring 
the Indians with them, drive the settlers off, and take 
possession of tiie country themselves ; that a plan of this 
sort had been concerted at Niagara before he left there. 
This was the first reliable information the settlers had 
received of the threatened invasion of Wyoming, although 
it was known, much earlier, that an invasion of the front- 
iers somewhere, was to be made from Niagara, by the 
combined force of British, Indians and Tories that had 
wintered in that locality, and from the condu6l of the 
straggling Tories and Indians, to which we have alluded, 
it was strongly suspected that Wyoming and its neigh- 
borhood would be the objeftive point. 

The story of Lieut. Jenkins confirmed the worst sus- 



AT THE MONUMENT. I 59 

picions of the settlers, and they .became aroused to the 
daiif^er of their situation. 

An express was immediately sent to Washington and 
Congress, to inform them of the certainty of the inva- 
sion, and to ask that the companies of Durkee and Ran- 
som be immediately sent to Wyoming, together with 
such additional force as could be spared for the occasion. 
Capt. Hewitt, who had been appointed to enlist the 
new company, under the resolution of Congress, which 
has been given, and who were to furnish their own "arms 
accoutrements and blankets," was immediately sent up 
the river on a scout. ^ 

On the 5th of June, there was an alarm from Indians, /, 
and six white men, Tories, coming in the neighborhood 
of Tunkhannock, about twenty-five miles up. the river 
from Wyoming, and taking Elisha Wilcox, Pierce and 
some others prisoners, and robbing and plundering the 
inhabitants of the neighborhood. 

News of this incursion was brought to the Valley on 
the night of the 6th, and on the 7th, although Sunday, 
the inhabitants set to work to complete and strengthen 
their fortifications. 

On the yth, there was an alarm from Shawnee. For a 
week or inore alter this, there appeared to be a lull in the 
storm at Wyoming, a calm, as often precedes a violent 
temj)est, but it raged with great fierceness in other quar- 
ters. 

The forces that wintered at Niagara and in Western/ 
New York, in pursuance of orders issued b}' Col. Guv' 
Johnson, assembled at Kanadaseago, or Seneca Castle, 
early in May, anil from this point sallied forth in divis- 
ions to carr}' on their hellish work. Although the objec- 
li\c point was W\oming, \et lhe\ were to divide their 
forces into parties and attack different points, lay them 
waste, spread terror, consternation and death on every 
hand, that their ultimate destination might not be known, 
antl no force of sufificient si^e to offer successful I'esist- 



l60 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

ance be concentrated "against them; and by dividing; 
their force and sending it into different localities, the\' 
would be the better able to learn the strength and di- 
rection of any force which might be sent to oppose them. 
Capt. Joseph Brandt, or Thayendencgea, with his Mo- 
hawks, some Senecas, Scoharries and Oquagos, went b}' 
way of the outlet of the Cayuga Lake and the head 
waters of the Mohawk, and arrived in the vicinity of 
Cherry Valley about the 25th, of May. His mission, with 
his destru6lives there, was to lay waste that place. He 
secreted them on Lady Hill, about a mile east of the fort, 
to await a favorable opportunity to strike the fatal blow, 
and slay or capture its occupants. 

A company of boys happened to be training, for b(v/s 
caught the martial spirit of the times, as Brandt, like the 
eagle from his eyrie, was looking down from his hiding 
place, upon the devoted hamlet, seeking his prey. Mis- 
taking these miniature soldiers for armed men, he deferred 
the attack for a more favorable opportunity. 

After killing Lieut. Wormwood, a promising \'oung of- 
ficer, from Palatine, who had left the fort but a fevv- min- 
utes before, on horseback, and taking Peter Sitz, his com- 
rade, prisoner, Brandt directed his steps to Cobleskill. 
Sims' Scoharrie. p. 28. Border Warfare, p. 126. 

On the 1st day of June, was fought the battle of Co- 
bleskill. The Indian forces, commanded by Brandt, 
amounted to about three hundred and fifty. The Amer- 
ican forces, commanded by Capts. Patrick and Brown, 
amounted to about fifty. The battle was mostly in the 
woods, and both parties fought in the Indian style, under 
cover of trees. Of the American force, twenty-two were 
slain and their scalps borne off in triumph, among them 
Capt. Patrick. Six were wounded and two made prison- 
ers. The Indians had about an equal number killed. — 
Sims— ^Campbell — Stone, p. 353. 

From here, Brandt, after committing a few further dep- 
redations in that quarter, led his forces to Tioga, where 



AT THE MONUMENT. l6l 

he joined the main body of tlie arm\', marching to the 
invasion of Wyoming". 

At the same time that Brandt started on his expedition, 
from Kanadaseago, Major John Butler, commonly called 
and known as Col. Butler, being at that time, however, 
only a Major, with the British and Tories, amounting to 
about four hundred, and a party of Indians, under Gucing- 
crachton and Kayingwaurto, both Seneca chiefs, amount- 
ing to about four hundred, passed up Seneca Lake and 
proceeded to Chemung and Tioga, at which point Butler 
and Kayingwaurto engaged in preparing boats for trans- 
porting themselves and their baggage down the Susque- 
hanna. 

A considerable body of Indians, under Gucingerachtcjn, 
were detached at Kanawaholee, or Newtown, and sent 
across the country to strike the West Branch ot the Sus- 
quehanna and lay it waste, while the boats were being 
prepared, and Brandt should rejoin tiie main part)' with 
his forces. 

Gucingerachton. with his party, arrived on the West 
Branch near the mouth of Bald Eagle creek, on the i6th 
of May. and at once commenced his work of death and 
desolation. He continued at this work, overrunning the 
whole line of the lower West Branch, until the loth of 
June. He and his savage horde swept that whole region 
as with the besom of destruftion, and the final catastro- 
phe in the bloody work occured on this latter day. 

Meginness says — 

"This \va.s indeed a bloody day. The savages glutted themselves with 
murder and plunder, and retired in triumph. A gloomy pall seemed to have 
fallen over the infant settlement, and weeping and wailing where heard on 
every hand. Children weie murdered before their parents' eyes ; husbands 
were compelled to witness the horrid deaths of their wives, and in turn, chil- 
dren were compelled to gaze upon the mangled bodies of their parents. 
Neither age, sex, nor condition were spared ; the wails of helpless infants, the 
imploring cries of defenseless women, failed to awaken a chord of pity in the 
adamantine bosom of the tawny savage. He laughed their pitiful appeals to 
scorn, and with a fiendish grin <if pleasure, ]ilicd the knife, and tore the recking 
scalps fro:n their heads." 



l62 HISTOKH^AL ADDRESS'. 

'•The harvest of scaljis they reajied in these fields counts up to Cony-iive -- 
add to these a large number of prisoners, and a vast amount of plunder, and 
we have a slij^ht account of the work done.— Otzinaclison, p. 211, etc. 

It will be readily seen, from these fa6ls, what the s:ni)c 
of the Indian warfare for 1778 embraced. The Whole 
frontier wa.s aglow with fire, desolation and death, be- 
neath the fagot, tomahawk, rille and scalping-knife of the 
Indians, and their cruel and implacable allies, the British 
and Tories. 

Our narrative now returns to Wyoming, for this is be- 
coming the gathering point of all these scattered parties. 
A glance shows at once that the storm is gathering, 
dark and fearful, in that direction, boding death and de- 
stru6lion throughout all its borders. 

On the I2th of June, William Crooks and Asa Budd 
went up the river to a place some two miles above Tunk- 
hannock, on the west side of the river, formerly occupied 
by a Tory named John Secord, one of the committee ot 
inspeftion appointed August <S, 1775, who had been ab- 
sent at Niagara since the fall before. Crooks was fired 
upon by a party of Indians and killed. 

C)n the 17th, a party of six men, from Jenkins' Fort, 
in two canoes, went up the river to observe tb.c move- 
inents of the enemy. The party in the forward canoe 
landed about six miles below Tunkhannock, on the 
west side of the river, opposite LaGrange, or Osterhout, 
and ascended the bank. They saw an armed force 
of Indians and Tories running toward them. They gave 
the alarm, returned to their canoes, and endeavored 
to get behind an island to escape the fire of the enemy, 
which was being poured in upon them. The canoe, in 
which were Miner Robbins, Joel Phelps and Stephen 
Jenkins, was fired upon and Robbins killed and Phelps 
wounded. Jenkins escaped unhurt, although his paddle 
was shot through and shixered to pieces in his hands. 
In the party that fired upon the canoe was Elijah 
Phelps, the brother of Joel, and brother-in-law of 
Robbins. 



AT THE M0NL1M!-;NT. i6^^ 

CapL Hewitt, with a scouting party, went up the river 
on the 25J,i, and returned on the 30th of June with news 
that they hal discovered a hirf:^e force of the enemy. 

At Jenkins' Fort, the uppermost in the Valley, and but 
little over a mile above VVintermute Fort, there were 
slathered the families of the old patriots, John Jenkins, 
Esq. and Captain Stephen Harding, the Hadsalls, John 
Gardner, and others, distinguished for zeal in their country'" 
cause. Not apprised of the contiguity of the savages, 
on the morning of the 30th of June, before Captain 
Hewitt's return, Benjamin Harding, Stukley Harding, 
Stephen Harding, Jr., John Gardner and a bo\' namctl 
Rogers, about eleven years of age, James Hads.lll and 
his sons, James and John, the latter a bo)-, with his sons- 
in-law, Kbenezer Revnoldsand Daniel Carr, together with 
Daniel Wallen and a negro, named Quocko, a servant of 
Williiim Martin — twelve in all, went up the river about 
five or six miles, into Exeter, to their several labors, 
some of them, particularly Beniamin and Stukle\' Hard 
ing, taking their arms. The Hardings, with Gardner 
and the boy Rogers, worked in the cornfield of Stephen 
Harding, Jr.; the Hadsalls and the others, part in Had- 
sall's cornfield, on an island, part in his tanyard, close 
at liand, on the main land. 

» Towards evening, Michael Showers, or Shores, and 
Jacob Anguish, or Ankers, two well-known Tories, came 
to Stephen Harding's cornfield, and told them they might 
call in their sentries and the}' would stand guard for them. 
Suspefting them of treacher}', and that danger threat- 
ened, Stephen went at once to get the horses and make 
for home. When the Tories saw what Stephen was 
doing, they left to give information to the Indians iiid 
Tories, who were not (:u- off in a large body. 

When Stephen returned with the horses, near to where 
he had !et"t his brothers, he saw that the_\" had quit 
work and passed on down the river towards a deer-lick. 
On the wa\- down was a deep, narrow ra\'ine, through 



]64 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

whicli a small brook found its way to the river. In this 
ravine, a body of Indians and Tories had concealed them- 
selves, waiting their coming. This spot is in the neighbor- 
hood of the new Baptist meeting house, between that and 
the river. As the party was passing this point, the sav- 
ages fired upon them, wounding both Benjamin and 
Stukley. They returned the fire, and then quite a con- 
test ensued. The Indians rushed upon them with spear.s 
and tomahawks, and they clubbed their guns and fought 
bravely and furiously, resisting until they fell, pierced 
through Avith spears, and were hacked and cut to pieces 
with tomahawks. John Gardner was taken prisoner. 
Having no arms, he took no part in the fight. 

That the Hardings fought bravely was attested by the 
enemy, as well as the terrible condition of their bodies 
when found. In the meantime, a party of the Indians 
had captured the elder James Hadsall, his son-in-law, 
Carr, and the negro, at the tannery, which was situated 
just above the mouth of the creek. 

Those on the island came off in their canoes, and as 
they ascended the bank, a party of savages, lying in wa it 
fired upon them, shooting James Hadsall down and 
wounding Reynolds, who fled with Wallen, to the woods. 
John Hadsall, the boy, remained behind fastening the 
canoe. Upon hearing the firing he plunged into a thicket 
of willows and drift that overhung the waters near by. 
The Indians, missing one from the party in the canoe, 
went to the river to search for him. One of them walked 
out on a log just over where he was hid, but did not dis- 
cover him. He could see the Indian's eyes as he peer- 
ed about to find him. After night set in, he ventured out 
of his hiding place, and made his way back to the fort, 
arriving after midnight. He was the first to arrive and 
bring news of the fate of his companions to their wait- 
ing, anxious friends. 

The elder Hadsall, Gardner, Carr and the negro were 
taken up Sutton's creek about a mile or two, to what is 



AT THl-: MONUMENT. 165 

known as the Bailey farm, where Hadsall and the negro 
were put to death by the most insulting, lingering and 
excruciating tortures, giving a most delightful evening's 
entertainment to Major Butler and his demoniac crew ; 
the Indians and Tories being the aftors in the horrible 
drama, the Tories in particular displaying a lively relish 
jn the performance of their several parts. 

Stephen Harding, Jr., with the boy Rogers, Reynolds 
and Wallen, fled through the woods, and after wandering 
all night, succeeded in reaching the fort next morning. 

Intelligence of this affair was at once communicated to 
all parts of the Valle)', and the utmost alarm and con- 
sternation prevailed. 

Col. Zebulon Butler, of the Continental army, then at 
home on leave, being solicited, assumed command of the 
settlers. On the ist of July, he. Col. Nathan Denison, 
and Lieut. Colonel George Dorrance, with all the forces 
at command, at that time, marched from Forty Fort to 
Fxeter, a distance of eleven miles, where the murder of 
the preceding day had been perpetrated, with the design 
of punishing the guilty parties. 

The two Hardings were found where they had fallen; 
from appearance they must have contended to the last, 
for their arms and faces were much cut and several 
spearholes were made through their bodies. They were 
scalped and otherwise mutilated. Two Indians who were 
watching near the dead bodies, expefting that friends 
might come to take them away, and that they might ob- 
tain other viftims, were shot — one where he sat, the 
other in the river, to which he had fled. Zebulon Marcy'.s 
rifle, it was supposed, killed one of them, and subse- 
quently he was waylayed and hunted for several years ; 
a brother of one of the Indians killed, swearing he would 
have revenge. 

The bodies of the Hardings were brought down to 
Jenkins' Fort, washed and decently burried in the Jenk- 
ins' graveyard, near the fort, where Elishi Harding, Esq. 



l66 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

their brother, caused a stone to be ereftecl to their mem- 
ory, with this inscription : 

"Sweet he the sleep of tho.'-e who prefer lil eitv tn sla\er\.'' 

The. borough of West Pittston has the distinguished 
lionor of havinc^ these sacred reUcs repose witliin her 
bounds. They should be cherished and cared for b\' every 
true patriot. A fitting monument should be ere6led to 
mark their resting place. 

John Gardner, taken at the time the Hardings were 
killed, was a husband, the father of five children, and a 
highly respeclable man. On the morning of the 4th, his 
wife and children were permitted to see him. The inter- 
view was extremely affeftmg. He was chained to a log 
and near by lay' a heavy pack of plunder which he was 
expecled to carry. The last adieu was exchanged, and 
they parted to meet no more. When his captors were 
ready to go, they put a rope around his neck, placed the 
pack on his back, and led him off as the}' would a beast 
of burden. He held out until they arrived in the neigh- 
borhood of Geneva, N. Y., where exhauste 1 by his jour- 
ney, and crushetl b)' the weight of his load, he fell to the 
earth, when he was handed over to the squaws, who tor- 
tured him to death. They piled up wood and brush 
about him, stuck him full of pine knots, set fire to them 
and thus ended his life. 

D miel Carr, a fellow prisoner, saw the remains tlie fol- 
lowing d ly, and represented them as a sight to awaken 
the deepest pity. 

The enemy, numbering about two hundred British Pro- 
vincials, and about two hundred Tories, from Pennsylva- 
nia, New York and New Jersc\', under the comm.ind of 
Major John Butler, and Capt. ("ahhvell, of Sir John 
fohnson's Royal Greens, and about fi\e hundred In- 
dians, commanded by Kayingwaiu'to, a Seneca chief, 
and Capt. Joseph Brandt, a .Mohawk, descended the 
Susquehanna river in boats, and hmded near the mciith 
of Bowman's Creek, \\h.cre tlic\' remained seme time 



AT TUK MONUMENT. 1 67 

waiting for the West Branch party to join them. This 

partv consisted, as before stated, of about two hundred 

Indians, under the command of Gucingerachton, a Seneca 

chief. After the junction of all the forces, numbering 

altogether about eleven hundred, they moved forward to 

the invasion of W>'oming. They left the largest of their 

boats, and with the lighter ones passed on down to 

the "Three Islands," five or six miles below, laying 

them up in K.eeler's eddw about fifteen miles from the 

Valley. 

From this point they marched overland, and encamped 

on the evening of the 30th of June, on Sutton's Creek 

about two miles from where the Hardings were killed. 

On the 1st of July, while the settlers were marching 
up the river to bring down the dead bodies of the Hard- 
ings, and if possible, chastise their murderers, the enemy 
were marching toward the Valley, by a route back of 
the mountain, which lay between them and the route 
the settlers took in marching up and returning. They 
arrived and encamped on the side of the mountain 
bounding the Valle\^ on the north-west, at a point di- 
reftly opposite Wintermute Fort. Parties from the 
enemy passed in and out of Wintermute Fort the same 
night. On the morning of the 2d, the gates of the fort 
were thrown wide open to the enemy, and possession 
taken by them. It was said thai the inmates of the 
fort consisted chiefly of Tories, who treacherously surren- 
dered it to the enemy. This became their hcadcjuarters 
while they remained in the Valle\-. 

The evening of the 2d, a detachment, under the com- 
mand of Capt. Caldwell, was sent to reduce Jenkins' 
fort. Originall}-, the garrison consisted of seventeen, 
mostly old men. six of whom. Miner Robbins, the two 
Hardings, two Hadsalls, and the negro were slain, and 
three made prisoners ; two, Phelps and Reynolds, wound- 
ed ; Samuel Morgan, sick, and two, lame, so that no 
means of resistance being left, the stockade capitulated 
on honorable terms. 



l68 HISTORICAL ADDKKSS. 

During all this day the settlers were engaged gather- 
ing all the force they could cominand, with their women 
and children, at Forty Fort, and the other forts, chief!)' 
the former, about four miles below Wintermute Fort. 

It was a day of alarm, excitement and terror; a day of 
preparation, running to and fro, fleeing and seeking shel- 
ter from impending wrath and death. 

Let us look at the position of affairs as the}' existed on 
the 3d of July, 1778. 

The upper part of the V^alley, on the west side of the 
river, was in the hands ofthe enemy, numbering i.iOD men 
well armed and equipped, thirsting for conquest and blood . 

So complete and effe6live was their possession, that 
no person had been able to pass their lines to give infor- 
mation of either their numbers, position or purpose. 

Jenkins' Fort, on the Susquehanna, just above the west 
end ofthe Pittston Ferry Bridge, was in their possession, 
having capitulated the day before, but possession had not 
been taken until this morning. 

Wintermute Fort .situate on the bank of the plain, about 
a mile and a half below and about half a mile from the 
river, had been in their possession all the da\^ before, and 
was used as their headquarters. 

Fort\' Fort, some four miles further down the river, 
situate on the west bank of the Susquehanna river, was 
tlie largest and strongest fort in the Valley. Thither had 
ficd all the people on the west side ofthe river, on the 
[St and 2d, and this was to be the gathering point of 
the patriot band. The Wilkesbarre and Pittston Forts 
v.'ere the gathering points for the people in their imme- 
diate neighborhood. 

The forces, such as they were, were distributeti through- 
out the Valley somewhat as follows : 

The Kingston company, commanded by Capt. Aholiab 
Buck, numbering about forty men, was at Forty Fort. 

The Shawnee compan\'. commanded b\' Capt. Asaph 
Whittlesc)'. numbering about fort\-four men, was at 
Fort\' I'ort 



AT THE MONUMENT. l6c) 

Tlic Hanover compan}-, commanded by Capt. Wm. 
McKarrachen, numbering about thirt}', was at home, in 
Hanoxer. 

The upper Wilkesbarre company, commanded by Capt. 
Rezin Geer, numbering about tliirty men, was at Wilkes- 
barre. 

The h)\ver Wilkesbarre companw comanded b\' Capt 
James Bidlack, Jr., numbering about thirt\--eight men. 
was at Wilkesbarre. The Pittston company, command- 
ed by Capt. Jeremiah Blanchard, numbering about fort)' 
men, was at Pittston Fort. The Huntington and Salem 
company commanded by Capt. John Franklin, number- 
ing about thirty-five men, was at home. These were the 
militia, or train-bands, of the settlement, and included 
all who were able to bear arms, without regard to age. 
Old men and boys were enrolled in them. 

Then there was Capt. Dethick Hewitt's company, 
formed and kept together under the resolution of Con- 
gress, to which reference has alread\' been made. Besides 
these, there were a number who were not enrolled in anv 
of the companies, numbering about one hundred ; and in 
addition, there were a number in the Valley who had 
been driven from the settlements up the river. Making 
altogether in the Valley, a force of men of all ages and 
boys, numbering about four hundred, besides those in 
Pittston k'ort. 

Notwithstanding the neglect which all their former ap- 
peals for aid had met willi, a new appeal was made by 
the settlers when the)- learned the certainty and immin- 
ence of the danger that was threatening, and fast closing 
in about them. Again was an express sent to Washing- 
ton and to Congress, informing them of the immediate 
presence of the enemy and of the imminent peril which 
threatened, requesting the aid of their two companies, 
with such additional force as could be sent : but there 
was so much hesitanc)- in deciding, and so much dela)- 
in letting the companies go after the decision was made. 



1/0 HISTORfCAL ADDRESS. 

that Captains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutcnmfs 
Wells and Ross, and some others, resigned tlieir com- 
missionsr in disgust, and hurried home to the reliet of their 
beleaguered neighbors^ friends and families. 

The two Wyoming companies, targ^ely reduced by dis- 
ease and the casualties of war, were thereupon united 
antl placed under the command of Sim.on Spalding, as- 
•Captain, raised to that position from a Lieutenancy in 
Durkee's company. After a day or two's detention, thi.'--- 
company alone was sent by a roundabout way to Wy- 
oming. Although Captains Durkee and Ransom, Lieu- 
tenants Ross, Wells, and some other.s, arrived before the 
march to battle, they could give no definite inform.ition 
as to when the company might be depended upon to ar- 
rive for their assistance. Capt. Clingman, at the lower 
Fort Jenkins, thirt}'-fivc miles down the river, had been 
sent for by express, the urgency and danger of the situ- 
ation made known to him, and his assistance, with hi.s 
command, consisting of ninety men, earnestly solicited. 
There was not much hope or expe6lation of this company 
marching to their assistance, from the facfl that it was a 
Pennsylvania Company, feeling no interest in the salva- 
tion of the settlement, yet it was thought their humanity 
might prompt them to do their duty, and hence they might 
assist in driving back the savages and British. On the 
2d, Col. Denison had sent a messenger express to Capt. 
John Franklin and Lieut. Stoddard Bowen, to hurry for- 
ward to the scene of danger, with their Huntington 
and Salem company, without delay. Col. Zebu Ion Butler 
was at Wilkesbarre, putting everything in that neighbor- 
hood in a defensible position, and awaiting developments- 
Such was the situation, when, on the morning of F'ri- 
day, the 3d of July, Major John Butler sent a flag to 
Forty F'ort, demanding an unconditional surrender of 
that fort, the public stores, and Capt. Hewitt's company, 
vv th a promise that he would, when in possession, give 
them good terms of capitulation, and with a threat that in 



AT THE MONlJMENr, \y \ 

case of refusal, he would move on them at once in full force, 
riie deniauvl was refused by Col. Denison, then in com- 
mand, \)ut the refusal was accompanied with a suggest 
tioji that he would like time and opportunity to consult 
with Col. Initler and other officers, who were not then 
present. The flag was born by Daniel Ingersoll, a 
prisoner, taken at Wintermute Fort, who was accompani- 
ed by a Tory ai'd an Indian, to serve both as guards and 
spies. They returned, bearing the refusal of surrender, 
and it was supposed that upon their return and report 
to Major Butler, he would iinmcdiateh^ march upoi\ 
them. A messenger was forthwith despatched to CoU 
Jkitler, at Wilkesbarre, informing him of the situation, 
and requesting ids immediate presence with all the 
available force at command. Col. Butler at once order- 
ed the two Wilkesbarre companies and the Hanover 
company, to march direftly to Fort}' Vcvi. They 
promptly responded, and at one o'clock they were all at 
the place of rendezvous. Information had been sent to 
other parts of the Valley, for every man to hasten tt> 
Forty Fort, as an ;ittack was hourlx' e.\pected. Im- 
mediately upon Col. Butler's arrival, a consultation of 
the officers was held, in which the situation was fuUv 
discussed. It was decided not to surrender, but to hold 
the fort at all hazards. 

l^'or the purpose of securing, by dela) s in negotiations, 
sufficient time to permit the arrival of Franklin and Spal- 
ding's companies, and possiblv Clingman's. a flag was 
sent to Major Butler, for a conference with him. upon 
the subject of his demand of the morning. At the same 
time scouts were sent out to make reconnoisance, and 
learn, if possible, the strength and situation of the 
enem\-, and watch his movements. In fact, sLich scouts 
had 'oeen out all the morning. The flag had not proceed- 
ed half way to Major Butler's camp, when it was fired 
upon by prowling Indians and Tories, probably out as 
spies, and compelled to retin'n, .\ftcr consultation, an- 



lyi HISTORICAL AD/)Kl::f;S. 

other flag was sent out. It was also fired upon and 
compelled to return. The scouts sent out, returned with 
the news that they had not been able to get near enough 
to the British camp, to ascertain more than that the)' 
were still occupying the neighborhood of Wintermut:' 
Fort, and that the Indians were prowling about in every 
direction, many of them moving down the Valley, cap- 
turing horses and cattle which were roaming about in 
the woods. Other scouts were sent out, and it was re- 
solved to try another flag. This had not proceeded far, 
when it was fired upon and compelled to return. Scout.*? 
that had been out returned with reports that the enemy 
were moving down toward the fort, and that their num- 
ber was not greater than that in the fort. 

It was at once resolved to go out and meet them, and,, 
if possible, beat and drive them back, at least stay their 
progress of destruction down the Valley. Accordingly, 
the force gathered at Forty Fort, numbering about four 
hundred, including old men and boys, marched out, at 
about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, to defend their homes 
and harvests against the invaders, leaving the fort, with 
a few old men and young boys, women and children, 
many of them sick, under the command of Lieut. John 
Jenkins. They marched from the fort in martial array, 
with the Stars and Stripes at their head, to the tune of 
"St. Patrick's day in the morning." played on the fife by 
a true son of Erin, and drums beating, and proceeded as 
far as Abraham's creek, at the point where the road now 
crosses it at the stone bridge, a little over a mile from 
the fort. Here on the hill a halt was made, and the 
party properly disposed to resist an attack. The posi- 
tion was well chosen. The creek at this point makes a 
complete elbow, round a hill which rises, abruptly, 
about twenty feet above the stream, largely protecting 
their right and front, while a branch of the stream and a 
marsh, on the left, covered that pait of their force, and 
their rear was open for retreat to the fort, should that 



AT THE MONUMENT. 173 

become necessary. The position was will calculated to 
be successfully held against a largely superior force, at 
least it gave them a great advantage in case of an attack 
upon them. 

From this point a flag was again sent out, and other 
scouts, and their return awaited. This flag was also fired 
upon and returned. Scouts that had been previously 
sent out, had, by great skill and energy, succeeded in 
making a reconnoisance of the enemy, by passing along 
the foot of the mountains on the west of the Valley ; 
but on their return, when in Western Wyoming, hear the 
present site of Shoemaker's mills, were shot, one fatally; 
the other, slightly wounded, made his way back to head- 
quarters. The information brought was to the effe6l 
that the enemy Were in commotion, but what their design 
or which way they were moving, could not be told, but 
the supposition was they were preparing to leave the 
Valley. All the information gained was too indefinite 
and too slight to be of any use in judging of either the 
numbers or design of the enemy. All was doubt and 
uncertainty. 

Speculations and discussion now began to arise as to 
the intent of the enemy. The march upon Forty Fort, 
which had been threatened by Major Butler in the morn- 
ing, unless a surrender was made, had not taken place. 
What did it mean .' Had the threat any meaning, or was 
it mere braggadocio ? It was suggested that the invad- 
ing force had been over estimated by the timid ; that 
if Major Butler had the overwhelming force pretended, 
he would, long ere this, have put his threat in execution, 
instead of breaking camp and leaving the Valley, as now 
appeared most probable. What did it mean .-' Was it a 
mere threat to frighten, and thus evade pursuit ? Such 
were the queries the situation gave rise to, and in con- 
sequence of no satisfactory answer being at hand, the 
discussion grew warm — hot, I may say. In the discus- 
sion, scouts returned reporting that the enemy were 



174 HISTOKirAL ADDRESS. 

b,\:-!iini^ all the settlement above, and colle6ting all the 
caltle within their reach, and, from appearances, it was 
s-!;)posed they would not risk an immediate attack on 
Forty Fort, at least, did not intend to do so, but would 
burn, plunder and destroy all tlie upper settlements, 
probably cross the river to Pittston, take possession ot 
that fort, destroy that and the neighboring- settlements, 
massacre the people or make them prisoners, and then 
re'turn back with their booty from whence they came- 
This report put an entirely new feature on the face of 
affairs. Although speculative to a great extent, \-et it 
afforded those who had been fierce to march and meet 
the enemy, new grounds on which to urge their views. 
They had become tired of seeking the enem\' b\- flags, 
and demanded to march, meet and attack him wherever 
found. They insisted that his force was small, too small 
to cope with them, or he would, ere this, have executed 
his threat of the morning. 

The cool and more judicious of the officers, on whom 
the responsibilities rested, thought prudence the better 
part of valor, and decided that their present position' 
being tenable against a superior force, and serving to 
protecl the lower and main part of the valley from the 
encroachments of the enemy, would answer the [jurpose 
of protection to that part of it, until the cxpe6led rein- 
forcements should arrive. At this point in the debate, 
Lieut. Timothy Pierce arrived with information that the 
company of Spalding was on its wa\', and would probably 
arrive on Sunda\'. for their assistance. This news did 
not, however, calm the troubled waters. It was conten- 
ded that Sunday would be too late. That the enemy by 
that time could prowl through the ^'alle^•, rob and burn 
their homes, and kill or take captive the women and 
children, drive off their horses and cattle, and destroy 
their harvests, while the\', like base and cowardly pol- 
troons, were standing b\' with arms in their hands, and 
seeing him do it, without making an ;ittemi)t to prevent 



AT THE MONUMENT- 175 

it. Besides, were they to remain where they were, or s^o 
back to the fort and shut themselves up in it, to await 
deUverance, that they had not collefted and in store suf- 
licient provisions to hold out a long siege, or endure a 
long delay. The discussion became heated and personal. 
Charges of cowardice were made by Capt. Lazarus Stew- 
art, tiien a private in Capt. McKarrachen's Hanover 
company, against all who opposed advancing, particularly 
against Col. Butler the principal commander, who was 
against an advance, and he threatened to report him as 
such to headquarters. Stewart was ordered under arrest 
by Col. Denison. 

The Hanover company became mutinous. Capt. Mc- 
Karrachen resigned, and the company immediately elect- 
ed Stewart in his place. They now threatened a revolt, 
unless a march should be immediately made against the 
enemy. Col. Denison. a cool and quiet man, who had 
taken little or no part in the discussion, as yet, urged the 
propriety of careful and considerate action, and the im- 
propriety and danger of hasty and inconsiderate aftion. 
That it would be far better to wait until more was known 
of the number and movements of the enemy ; that it was 
hardly possible that they would attempt to overrun the 
Valley as matters then stood ; that a little delay would 
give them more information upon these points, when 
they could a6l intelligently, and in the meantime, Spald- 
ing's and Franklin's companies would arrive, the latter, 
certainly. These suggestions did iiot meet the feelings 
and views of the men generally. They had become 
warmed up by the fiery words of Capt. Stewart, and de- 
clared that it would be a disgrace never to be forgotten 
or forgiven, should they remain there, or lie cooped up in 
the fort, while the enemy should'devastate the Valley, 
plunder and burn their homes, and then draw off with 
their booty, and they too cowardly to offer the least re- 
sistance. It was therefore determined to march, and 
meet or attack the enemy. 



176 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 



Those who would be disposed tcj blame the command- 
ers of the settlers for permittin;^ the decision of the 
question, whether to march or remain in position, to be 
made by the rank and file, should remember that a 
perfe6l Republic existed here. 

The people were their own rulers, in the stri6lest and 
fullest sense of that term. They met in town meeting 
and disposed of rU their affairs. The town meeting- 
was a legislative, judicial and executive body, all in one. 
There was no \'eto on its enaftments ; no appeal from its 
decisions, and no escape from its execution. All \vere 
accustomed to take part in its deliberations and debates; 
all \otcd on its final decisions, and all submitted to its 
authority. Could they do less on this occasion .'' It 
may be obie6led that this was a military body, and as 
such, ought to have been submissive to the commands 
of its officers. This was not the view they took of it. 
It was only a town meeting, met for militar\' purposes, 
in which they all had an equal interest, and from the 
a6ls of which flowed a common danger or safet)-. When 
it was decided to advance and attack the enemy, Col. 
Butler discharged Capt. Stewart from arrest, saying: 

"\Vc will march and meet the enemy, if he is to be 
found, and I will show the men that t dare lead where 
they dare follow." The order to march was immediately 
given, and the}' proceeded cautiously on their way as far 
as the hill, just below the monument, where another halt 
was made, and where scouts met them witii information 
that the enem\- had set fire to Wintermute Vovt and 
were leaving the Valley. In confirmation of this report, 
they pointed out the smoke from the fire o( the burning- 
fort. The men i-iow became eager to advance and ])ursue 
the enemy. Here, Richard Inman, one of the Hanover 
men. wearied with the long march and the burden he was 
carrying, lay down alongside of a log fence, while they 
were halted, and went to sleep. After a halt they 
mo\ed on toward Wintermute Vovi. to test the accuracy 



AT THE MONUMENT. 1 77 

of the inronnation broui;ht in b\' the scouts. Tliey ad- 
vanced to a point dire6ll\- in Hnc with the south-western 
boundary of the P'air ground, wliere the\' formed in battle 
order, their h"ne extending from the hill which forms the 
plain, up in a north-westerly direction, about i 500 or 1 600 
feet. 

Cip'ains Durkee and Ransom, and Lieutenants Ross 
and Welles, havnng no immediate command, were detail- 
ed to mark off the ground and form the line ot battle. 
Their march had been in column along and just on the 
hill mentioned, and on coming up to the line marked off, 
the column deployed 'o the left, and every company took 
its designated station and advanced in line to the proper 
position, where it halted, the right resting on the hill, 
the left extending to the northwest. Yellow and pitch- 
[)ine trees, with scrub-oaks about breast high, were 
cver\'whcre over the plain. There were very (cw trees 
of an\- size. The InJians were accustomed to burn the 
plain over e\er\' year, to make jjasture for deer and other 
game, and thus destroyed the growth of trees of large 
size. The line was formed with Captain Hewitt's com- 
pany on the right ; next. Captain Bidlack's ; and next. 
Captain Geer's. Captain Whittlesey's compan\- was 
placed on the left ; next. Captain Stewart's, and next 
Captain Buck's. Captains Durkee and Ransom, and 
Lieutenants Ross, Welles and Pierce were assigned posi- 
tions on the field, rather as aids than commanders. 
Lieutenant Stoddart Bowen had arri\-ed with a few men, 
from Salem, and the}' \\ere added to Whittlesey's com- 
pany on the left. Ca[)tain Blanchard remained at the 
Pittston Fort with his force. The Indians and Tories 
iiad taken jiossession of all the water ci'aft in the upper 
part of the Valley, and consecjuentl\- Blanchard's com- 
pany could not get over to join our men, had it been 
prudent and proper for them to ha\'e done so. Col. But- 
ler, supported by Major Jonathan Waite Garret, assisted 
by Anderson Dana as adjutant, commanded the right 



178 HISTORICAL ADDKKSS-. 

wing. Col. Denison, supported by Lieut-Colonel George 
Dor ranee, commanded the left wing. Such was the 
ground, such the forces, and such the order of battle. 

While these arrangements were being made, scouts 
were coming in bringing information of the movements 
of the enemy. They had succeeded in making their re- 
connoisance to the immediate vicinity of the fort, saw it 
burning, and a few Indians and others lingering near. 

The enemy, in the meantime, had not been idle. From 
their scouts they had learned the movements and pro- 
gress of the settlers in their march ; had called in their 
scattered forces, particularly those at Jenkins' Fort, and 
had placed them in position to receive the settlers upon 
their advance. Major Butler, Capt. Wm. Caldwell and 
Lieutenant Turney, with the British, were located on 
the left of their position, from the hill toward the marsh ; 
next, and on their right, were the Tories, under Captains 
Benjamin and William Pawling and Hopkins ; and to the 
right of these were the Indians, under Kayingwaurto, 
Gucingerachton and Thayendenegea, reaching beyond 
the marsh and doubling down behind a covert of alders, 
white birch and other brush ; the whole force being ar- 
ranged nearly in the form of a crescent. They skulked 
and hid away in the bushes, so that the few who were 
stirring about the open space near the burning fort, were 
all that could be seen. 

After the settlers had formed their line of battle, they 
marched, in single line as formed, nearly a mile, and to 
within forty or fifty rods of the fort, their right still rest- 
ing on the hill, and their left extending about 1600 feet 
towards the marsh, and to within 400 feet of it. where 
they halted and sent forward scouts for further recon- 
noisance. On the advance of the scouts, Indians would 
pop up, fire at them and flee, some in one direftion, some in 
another. Here they began to realize the fa6l, that the 
enemy might be near in sufficient force to make their 
further advance a bloodv one, in fa6l. that a battle was 



AT TllK MONUMKNT I79 

imminent. Ihcy came to a halt. Their officers rode 
along the line informing the men of the situation, and 
addressing and encouraging them to stand bravely 
up to the work. 
Says Col. Butler — 

"The enemy i.s probal)ly iu full force ]ust aliead of us. If so, we shall have 
hot work. Remember your homes I Your women and children call on you 
to protect them from tlie tomahawk and scalpinij;-knife of the savages. Your 
own fate, as well as that of your women, your children and your homes, is in 
your hands. Remember the fate of the Hardings and make sure work. Vic- 
tory is safety 1 Defeat i^ death I Let every man do his duty and all will be 
well!" 

The line at this point was counted off into odds and 
evens, from right to let't. The advance was made by the 
odds marching forward five steps and halting, and then 
the evens marching ten steps, and halting and so on, al- 
ternately, each division or seftion marching ten steps, 
halting, firing and loading, while the other was going 
through the same e.xercise, imtil more than half the dis- 
tance to what finall)' became the field of battle had 
been gone over. As they advanced in this manner, a num- 
ber of Indians, here and there over the field, would rise, 
deliver their fire and flee before them. The fire would 
be returned and our people would continue to advance. 
Soon a squad of British arose, delivered their fire and 
fell back. Our commander cries out. "See ! the British 
retreat! Stand firm and the day is ours!" They con- 
tinued to advance and soon another squad of British 
arose, delivered their fire and fell back. Again the cry, 
"The British retreat! The day is ours!" 

Our men had now arrived at a point just opposite Win- 
termute h'ort, on their right, and on the edge, in front, 
of the only cleared space on the plain, which was an 
open field of three or four acres. They continued their 
advance slovvl\- and cautiousl)-, when they soon found 
the British in full force in front, standing up to the work, 
though apparently yielding ground The firing now be- 
came general along the lines on both sides. Our people 
felt they were gaining ground and driving the enemy be- 



I So HISTORICAL ADIjRESS'. 

(ore them. loo much attention had been de\'oted to 
the movements of the British, in tVont, to properly 
observe and understand the movements and dangers of 
the other portions of the field. The British lay behind 
a log fence which ran along the upper side of this clear- 
ed field down to the foot of the hill, at a marshy spot, 
and were largely concealed and protected by it. Tiic 
Indians, l}'ing behind the mar.sh, on the other side of 
the held, which ran diagonally across the front of our 
line, and concealed behind its dense shrubbery, had not 
manifested their force on the field, and their location wa.9 
not really known. When the settlers had advanced fully 
into the cleared field, and were, as they supposed, driv- 
ing the enemy before them, the Indians broke from their 
covert and fell upon their left, yelling like demons, pour- 
ing in their fire and pressing to close quarters with the 
spear and tomahawk. Their number was sufficient not 
only to outflank the left, but to turn it and gain the rear. 
Col. Denison, on discovering this movement, at once 
gave orders for the left to fall back, and form an oblique 
line to the position of the right, and thus bring the left 
into a position to face the enemy. 

The order was not fully understood, or was imperfeftly 
communicated, and hence the movement was confused. 
In the midst of the noise and confusion, the word oblique 
was understood by some to be retreat, and the line was 
not formed, but the left began moving in on the right in 
a broken, confused mass. The officers, meantime, made 
every possible effort to have their orders understood, and 
to restore order and bring the men to face the enemy 
and stand their ground, but in vain. Col. Dorrance fell , 
severely wounded, while riding along the line gallantly 
laboring in this vain attempt. The mistake was a fatal 
one and could not be retrieved. The Indians, meantime, 
rushed in upon them, yelling, brandishing their spears 
and tomahawks, and the Ikitish and Tories pressed down 
upon them in front, pouring in a terrible fire. Broken, 



AT THE MONUMENT. l8r 

borne down by ovcrwhehning numbers, and pressed b}- 
an irresistible force, tlie left gave way and fell back on 
the right. The movement was rapid and confused and 
brought confusion on the right. From confusion to dis- 
order, from disorder to broken lines, and thence to flight 
were but steps in regular gradation. The flight became 
a slaughter, the slaughter a massacre. Such was the 
battle. 

It was impossible that the result of the battle should 
have been different. The enemy were nearly three to 
one, and had the advantage of position. (3ur men fought 
bravely, but it was of no avail Every Captain fell at 
his position in the line, and there the men lay like 
sheaves of wheat after tlie harvesters. 

The flight from the battle-field, although confused and 
made under overwhelming pressure, by a furious on- 
slaught of the enemy, yet. was not entirely devoid of 
system. The men. generalh", gathered in scjuads, and 
commenced moving oft, frequently turning back, like the 
hunted lion, and holding in check their pursuers, by their 
threatening attitude and the mutual support they gave 
each other. On the left, a squad of a dozen or more, 
unconscious of the fatal state of affairs by which they 
Were surrounded, one man only, John Caldwell, having 
fallen in line, stood their ground and loaded and fired, 
not only after all their friends had fled and were gone, 
but until the enemy had passed by them in their pursuit. 
They commenced moving off the field together, but one 
by one broke off, seeking safety in separate flight, by 
hiding in the bushes, and fleeing out of the line of pur- 
suit. Part of them were taken prisoners, and with 
others, to the number of ten, were taken about half a 
mile above the battle-field, about midway between Win- 
termute and Jenkins' Fort, on the top of the hill, on the 
line between Exeter, and West Pittston, near the river, 
where they were put to death with savage torture. 



l82 HISTORirAL ADDRESS. 

Capt. Blaiichard and others, at Pittston, seeing fires 
burning below on the opposite side of the river, ^went dovv n 
to see what was going on. They beheld a scene of torture 
of the most horrible and revolting charafter. 

Several naked men were being driven round a stake, in 
the midst of flames. Their groans and shrieks were most 
pitious, while the shrieks and yells of the savages, who 
danced around, urging the victims on with spears, were 
•too horrible to be endured. They were powerless to 
prevent or avenge these attrocities, and withdrew, heart- 
sick, from the, sight of the terrible orgies. 

Among the prisoners was Joseph Elliott, who, seeing 
the horrible fate that awaited him, if he remained, sprang, 
and broke through the death circle of the savages, and 
fled to the river and plunged in. When out about twent>- 
rods, a ball from his pursuers struck him in the shoulder, 
wounding him slightly He continued on, crossed the 
river, and [)roceeded safely to Wilkesbarre Fort. 

A body of the fugitives surrounded Col. Butler, and 
all moved off together. Another bod\- surrounded Col. 
Denison, and kept together until they reached Forty Fort. 
On their way, with three Indians in hot pursuit, Rufus 
Bennett, who held Col. Butler's horse by the tail, and was 
the hindmost of the party, remembered that Richard 
Inman had lain down at the hill, at their second halt- 
ing place, and not gone on with the others. As they 
came near to where Inman lay, Bennett turned his head 
in that dirc6lion and saw Inman sitting up rubbing his 
eyes "is your gun loaded. Inman.'* "Yes. it is!" 
" Shoot this Indian ! " Inman raised his rifle and the fore- 
most Indian, as he passed the fence, was shot through 
the heart. He sprang up. uttering a fearful yell, and fell 
prostrate. The other pursuing Indians turned and fled 
back, leaving the party unmolested. 

Col. Butler repaired to the Wilkesbarre, or Wyoming 
Fort. Col Denison took up his quarters at Forty Fort. 
The)' at once took all necessary precautions to hold their 



AT THK MONUMENT. 1 83 

positions and keep safely their inmates lor the night, 
and until other arrangements could be made for their 
security. The men fled generally back to the fort on the 
route they had marched out, or to the river, pursued 
closely by the British, Indians and Tories, and it would 
be difficult to tell which took most delight in shooting 
and cutting down the fugitives. No quarter was granted. 
All were indiscriminately slaughtered, wherever found. 
It was a dreadful hour. Men seemed transformed into 
demons. Lieut. Elijah Shoemaker who had fled into the 
river and was quite out of harm's way, was hailed by 
Windecker, a Tory, who had worked for him and received 
many favors at his hands, and requested to come back 
and put himself under Windecker's protection. Shoe- 
maker stopped hesitating what course to pursue. "Come 
out ! Come out !" says Windecker. "You know I will 
protect you !" Shoemaker, trusting to the assurance, 
came back, and as he extended his hand to take VVin- 
decker's to help him up the bank, Windecker struck his 
tomahawk into the head of his viftim, who fell back into 
the river and floated away. Many other fugitives were 
in like mannner lured to shore, by promise of quarter or 
safety, and in like manner slain ; too many to be re- 
counted on this occasion. 

The account of the horrible orgies at what has since 
been known as Queen Esther's Bloody Rock must close 
this part of this most bloody event. On the evening 
of the battle, sixteen ot the prisoners taken on the field 
of battle and in the flight, under promise of quarter, were 
collefted together by their savage captors around a rock, 
near the brow of the hill, at the southeast of the village 
of Wyoming, and a little more than a mile from the field 
of a6lion. The rock at that time was about two feet 
high on its eastern front, with a surface lour or five feet 
square, running back to a level with the ground and be- 
neath it at its western extremity. The prisoners were 
arranged in a ring around this rock, and were surround- 



184 HISTORRAI, ADDRESS. 

ed by a body of about two hundred savages, under the 
leadership and inspiration of Queen Esther, a fury in the 
form of woman, who assumed the office of executioner. 
The vi6lims, one at a time, were taken from the devoted 
circle and led to the east front of the rock, where they 
were made to sit down. They were then taken b\' the 
hair and their heads pulled back on the rock, when the 
"bloody Queen I^sther, with a death-maul would dash out 
their brains. The savages, as each viftim was in this 
manner immolated, would dance around in a ring, hold- 
ing each others' hands, shouting and hallooing, closing 
with the death-whoop. In this manner fourteen of the 
party had been put to death. The fur\- of the savage 
Queen increased with the work of blood. Seeing there 

was no other way or hope of deliverance, Lebbeus Ham- 
mond, one of the prisoners, in a fit of desperation, with 
a sudden spring, broke through the circle of Indians 
and fled toward the mountain. Rifles cracked ! Toma- 
hawks flew ! Indians yelled ! But Hammond held on 
his course for about fift>' rods, when he stumbled and 
fell, but sprang up again. Stopping for a moment to 
listen, he found his pursuers on eacli side of him, or a lit- 
tle ahead, running and }-ell!ng like demons. He stopped 
behind a large pine tree to take breath, when, reflecting 
that his pursuers being alread}- ahead of him, he would 
gain nothing b\- going on in that direcl:i')n. he turned 
and ran for the river in such a course a= to avoid the part\- 
around the fatal rock, and yet to keep an eye on them. 
He passeJ b\' without being seen, went down and plunged 
into the high grass in the swamp\- ground at the foot of 
the hill, where he remained concealed for about two 
hours, watching the movements and listening to the yells 
of his savage pursuers. He finall)- crawled out of his con- 
cealment, cautious!)' made his wa\' to the ri\'er, and 
thence down to the tort. 

Let us go back to the battle-field. On the fatal left we 
find onl}- the bod\- of John Caldwell, of Captain Whittle- 



AT TIIK M()XlIM-:X'r. 



185 



sev's company. He was killed b\- the first fire of the In- 
(iians ; in fa61: they fired but once, and dropping their guns 
rushed in with spears and tomahawks. Not a living, 
breathing soul is found on the field. All who had not 
been able to fl\', except Col. Dorrance, w^ere put to death 
and scalped. The wounded were killed where the)' law 
or were dragged to the buining fort and thrown upon the 
fire, pierced and held on with s[)ears. They pleaded in 
most jiitious terms to be s])ared. but the)- appealed to 
hearts of adamant, that rejoiced in their sufferings and 
laughed at their merciful supplications. The bod)' of Cap- 
trin Ransom, who was a fleshy man. was lying near the 
fort ; his thigh was split with a knife all around from the 
knee to the hip. Captain Buck was lying b)' his side, 
his head cut off. Captain Bidlack la)- a short distance 
off; he had been held on ;i fire in a heap of old logs and 
brush and burned to death. All were shockingly muti- 
lated. It was a terrible sight. The stencJi from the 
burning bodies polluted the atmospheie with its noisome 
odor. Night came, but it did not put an end to the work 
of death. All through its dark shadows, the Indians 
and 7\)ries. like beasts of pre)', prowled along the line of 
flight, hunting out those who had concealed themselves, 
slaying them on the spot, and tearing off their reeking 
scalps, or capturing and reser\'ing them for torture. 

To those who were in the forts, and those who had 
escaped the pursuit of the murderous savages, that was a 
night of consternation, of alarm, and of terrible agony. 
The shrill whooij of the Indians, mingled with the yells 
and hootings of the Tories and British, as they gathered 
near, proclaimed a fate as horrible to the survivors, as 
that of an)- who had iallen into their Ifands. All through 
the night w.'is heard the \-oice of lamentation for the late 
of husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and friends, wdio had 
fallen b)- the- hands of the enem)' ; and weeping and 
wailing for tribulation, danger and death, that seemed 
to await them on the morrow. To the survivors it was 



l86 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

"a night long to be remembered," never to be forgotten. 

The morning of the 4th dawned amid the deepe.st sor- 
row and the most gloomy forebodings. Wliichevcr way 
the afflifted people turned their eyes, death stared them 
in the face. The vi6lorious foe seemed but to iiave whet 
their appetite for blood by the carniv^al of the preceding 
d,a\' and night. They spread themselves everywhere 
•tin'oughout the V'alley, and their pathway was marked b}' 
the shrieks of falling viftims, the conflagration of their 
dwellings, and the destruftion of their teeming harvests. 
About eight o'clock in the morning, Major Butler des- 
patched a messenger with a flag to Forty Fort, request- 
ing Col. Dcnison to come up to headcjuarters and agrct- on 
terms of capitulation. He went, accompanied by Oba- 
diah Gore, Esq., and Dr. Lemuel Ciustin. A demand 
was made for the delivering up of all Continental troops, 
as prisoners of war, specially naming Col. Z. Hutler, 
Lieut. J. Jenkins and the remains of Hewitt's company. 
iJenison desired time to consult, which was given. It 
was determined that those parties shoidd at once leave 
the Valley, and the capitulation should be onl\^ for the 
inhai^itants Col. lUitler at once fled across the moun- 
tains to the Lehigh, and Hewitt's company- fled down 
the river. 

Terms were agreed upon, on a renewal of negotiations, 
in all respcfts favorable to the inhabitants, e.xcept that it 
provided, "that the property' taken from the people call- 
ed "'Tories, up the river, be made good ; and thc\' to re- 
main in "peaceable possession of their farms." This was 
the only provision against the settlers and in favor of the 
enemy, or an)- part of them. 

"Ncvertlieless," says Col. Denison, 'Hhe enemy, being powerful, proceeded, 
l^'undered, burned and destroyed almost everything that was valuable ; murder- 
ed several (jf the remaining inhabitants, and compelled most of the remainder 
to leave their settlements, nearly destitute of clothing, provisions and the neces- 
saries of life." 

William Gallop, on oath, says : 

"We were not to be plundered, but they jilundered ns of everything. They 
kept us three or four days, then told us to go. (~)ne hundred and eighty wo- 



AT Till-: MONUMKNT. 1 8; 

incii and cliildrcii, aiconipanied I))' only thirteen men, went tOL:;clher. '1 Iiey 
suffered exlreiiicly, all on foot, 1 arefoot, V.areheadcd, in great want of ])n)vis- 
jons. Two wonen were delivered in the woods. Those of tlie men who had 
been in the battle made their escape before the fort surrendered, as the enemy 
-said they would kdl all that had been in the battle. The savages burnt all our 
iaiprovenieiits : svareely a house left that was valuable. About_tiiXi.Jinndred 
nien were then absent, serving in the Continental army. The greater part of 
theTvien, women and children had fled east and down tho river on the night of 
massacre. Cro.ssing the river at Forty Fort, they plungeil into the wilderne.ss 
and made their way to the mountains. Many lied on the night of -tlie 4tli. 
Vhc number of fugitives fleeing east from the N'alley was about two thousand. 
The saxages, fmdijig they had fled, pursued them. Many were sla'n by the 
jiursuing savages in their flight, some died of exeitemenl: and fatigue, others of 
hunger and exposure, wiiile many were lost who never found their way out. 
I Fundred.s were never .seen again af^er they lurneil their backs on Wyoming. 
l!y wlut sufferings and torture they died the world will never know. On their way 
was a long and (b-eary swamp to be traversed by them, whicii, on account ol 
tlie number w!i ) f.-dl and iierished in its mire and among its tliorny lirandiles. 
was called "Till'. Sii.vuKs oi-' Dkath.'' 

On the evening- of the 5th, the advance part)' fell in 
with C.ipt, Spalding'.s comp tii)- at Bear Swamp. On the 
in()rnin;^>- of tlie 6th. Lieut. Jenkins joined the compan\- 
and they continued their march toward Wyoming. When 
they arrived on the top of the mountain.s, w ithin sight of 
the a.fflicled \'alle\', the)' halted and sent out parties to 
protect the fugitives and drive back the pursuing savages. 
They remained here engaged in this work for two or three 
d,'i)-s, when they fell into the rear of the fugiti\'es, scatter- 
ing themselves through the woods, picking up those wdio 
had fallen bv the waw exhausted from hunger and fatigue. 
gi\ing them food, and encotn-aging and lielping forward 
the women ami children. 

The ntmiber slain in the battle and massacre has been 
variousl)- stated. It ma>- be put down at 300, Those 
wlu) j:)erislied in the wilderness ma\' be i)ut at 20O 
making a total oi 5CC, in the battle, niassacre and flight 

Major John Btitler, m his repc^rt, sa}s 227 scalps were 
taken at Wyoming. Man\' were shot in the 1 iver, w hose 
scalps were not obtained. 

As the e.xaft number o\' the slain is a matter of great 
doubt. I gi\'e the numbers as stated b)- \arious parties 



H ISTOR IC A I. ADDK KSS. 



who may be presumed to know somewhat about it. 
Major John Butler says 227 scalps were taken ; Col. Zeb. 
Butler says 200, about ; Lieut. John Jenkins says 300, and 
a number of officers ; Col. N. Denison says 268, priv-ates, 1 
Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, 1 3 Lieutenants, 1 1 Ensigns ; 
Captain John I^^ranklin, 204; Isaac A. Chapman, 300; 
Hon. David Scott, 300; T. F. Gordon, 330; Rev. James 
May, 300; George Grant, 300; Dr, David Ramsay, 360; 
Bartram Galbraith, Jr., 340; Abram Scott, 340; Col. W. 
L. Stone, 300 ; Dr. Geo. Peck, o\er 200 ; Charles Miner, 
160; Col. Pickering, 170. 

The story of the sad fate of Col. Dorrance remains to 
be told. On the 4th, as the viftors were moving down 
to Forty P'ort, to avail themselves of the full fruits of 
their vi6lory, the captors of Col. Dorrance, two Indians, 
started to take him down to that post. Being an officer 
of prominence, dressed in a new uniform, with new sword 
and equipments, he had been spared when the slaughter 
of the wounded on the battle field had taken place, un- 
der the idea that more could be obtained for his rdnsom 
than could be made from his slaughter. About a mile 
from the field he became e.xhausted, and was unable to 
proceed further. What to do with him was a matter of 
pressing inciuiry with the savages. Behind them was a 
desolation, ahead, new fields of plunder. To remain 
where they were and take care of their prisoner was out 
of the question. Stepping aside they held a short con- 
sultation. When the Indians returned to Col. Dorrance, 
one of them demanded his sword, which he refused to 
deliver up. Thereupon the Indian seized it by the 
scabbard and attempted to wrest it from him. The 
Colonel held to it by the hilt. The Indian, seeing that 
he was not getting the sword, grabbed the blade, and in 
the struggle his hand was severely cut. The other In- 
dian then came to his assistance, forced the sword from 
the Colonel, and with it cut off his head. They then di- 
vided their spoil, one taking his scalp and sword, the 



AT THE MONUMENT. 1 89 

other his coat and cocked hat with leather. The latter 
at once doffed his own habiliments and donned the coat 
and hat of their viftim, in all else being in piiris natural- 
il>7is, and thus proceeded to the fort with his companion. 
Gaily and proudl}' as the veriest dand\- in new toggery, 
he strutted about and through the fort, before, as he sup- 
posed, an admiring audience. He took particular pains 
to exhibit himself to Mrs. Dorrance, who sat grieving 
over the sad fate of her husband. Ludicrous and comi- 
cal as the sight would be as a comedy, it was a sad and 
mournful one as part of a bloody tragedy. 

I have thus gone over the leading events connected 
with the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, as we have 
learned them from our ancestors, and it may appear to 
some to be but a one-sided stor)', told with the views 
and in the interests of that side onl)'. Deeming it but 
fair and proper that both sides should be heard, I \\ ill 
give you the story, as w ritten b\- a historian on the other 
side. Capt. Alexander Patterson's petition to the Legis- 
lature of Pennsylvania, in 1804. Sa)s : 

"111 the year 177C, there were a number of inh.ibitant.s, settler,^ en the north- 
east branch of the Susquehanna, near Wyalusiny, under the Pennsylvania title. 
Amongst these were two brothers by the name of Pawling, of a respecta])le 
family from the county of Montgomery. They had paid one thousand pounds 
in gold and silver for their farm at W'yakising, unto Job Gilaway, a useful, 
well-informed Indian, who had olitained a grant for said land from the late 
proprietors of this State. Among the settlers were the Messrs. Secord, Depew, 
Vanderl'p, and many others, wealthy farmers. Tlie Yankees at Wyoming be- 
ing more numerous, and though at the distance ot sixty miles, insisted that the 
Pennsylvania settlers should come to Wyoming and train and associate under 
Yankee ofificers of dieir own appointment. As may be supposed, the proposals 
were very obn ixious to the inbabitants of Pennsylvania, and very properly re- 
fused, alleging they would associate by themselves and would not be command- 
ed by intruders, who had so repeatedly sacked the well disposed inhabitants of 
Pennsylvania, and at that time bid defiance to its laws and jurisdiction. This 
gave a pretext to the Yankees for calling them Tories. They then went in 
force and tied the Pennsylvinia settlers, and b.oujhl; them to Wyoming, with 
all their moveables, and confined them in a log house, until the Indians who 
lived in the neighborhood of Wyalusing — and loved the Pennsylvanians, and 
at that time were well afifected to the United States -some of whom had joined 



190 IIISTORKAI. ADDRKSS. 

These Indians came to Wyoniins^ and requested that the I'ennsylvan'a people 
hiiould be released from confinement. After some altercation, ami the liidian>- 
declariniT they would complain to Congress, they were released, and on their 
return, with property, were ambushed and fired upon by the Yankees. The 
events ►)f all this was that the Pennsylvania people were .so harrassed by the in- 
truders, that they were driven to seek an asylum with the Indians, and at length 
retired to Niagara for protection. It was well known at the time, on the front- 
ier.-; of Northumberland and Northampton counties, that the conduct of these 
Yankees occas ioned thej gcasMaB-ol^lig Five Nations from the United' States. 
As-"W^s natural to imagine, those PennsylvanTa^hSeltlers-who Jiad-beeft-strcrueTly 
robbed of their proDerty wt)uld endeavor to regain it. Their address and ino\-- 
ing complaints induced Joseph IJrandt, a welbknown Indian chief, and a Col. 
Butler, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, to come witli them to Wyoming with 
a number of Indians, for the i-ecovery of their property, goods and chattels. 

The party arrived at a place called Abraham's Plains, about five miles above 
Wyoming. Tiie Yankees were apprised of their being at that place, aud nuisi 
needs go and fight them, led on by the old murderer, Lazarus Stewart, first 
having drank two barrels of whiskey to stimulate their spirits. They marched 
in riot, with drums beating and colors flying. The result was that a number of 
them was killed. Those who asked quarter were humanly treated, nor was a 
woman or child moles:ed, only enjoined to leave the country to the rightfitl 
owners. Surely there was no jiropriety in calling that a massacre or murder. 
The wretches brought it U]):)n themselves, and so be it. 

Benj iniin P.iwiin;^-, in a letter dated at .Xiagara, in 17H4, 
to luhvard Bartholomew, at Philadelphia, states that the 
Pennsylvania claimants were the people that cut off the 
Connefticut settlers, at Wyoming. 

Col. Guv Johnson to Lord (ieorge (iermain. New 
York, lOth Sept.. 177H, says: 

" * ■' \'om- Lordshi]-) will have learned, before this can reach you. of tin- 

successful incursions of tlie Indians and loyalists from the northward. In con- 
formity to the instructions I conveyed to my officers, they assembled their forces 
early in May,, and one division, under one of my deputies (Mr. Butler), proceed- 
ed with great .success tiown the .Susjuehanna, dcstrroying the posts and settle- 
ments at Wyoming, augmenting their numbers with many loyalists, and alarm- 
ing all the country ; whilst another division, umler .Nh'. Brandt, the Indian 
chief, cut off 291 men near Schoharie, and destroyed the adjacent settlcment.s, 
with several m.^gazines, from whence the rel'els had derived great resources, 
t'.iereby a'.firdia ( enccuragement and oiiportunity to many friends of govern- 
ment to join the.n." * 

I hesc 294 s.-aljjs of men cut off !)\- .Mi- lUitler and the 
chief, Bran't, and their associates, an 1 sold in the ]^riti-~h 



AT THI-: MONUMENT. IQl 

market, were gathered on the followint^ fields. namcl\- : 

Cobleskill, 22 

West Branch of Susquehanna, 45 

Wyoming", 227 

--294 

It is said by some that Brandt was not at Wyoming-. 
The story as told by both sides is that he was. If these 
be not the fields wherein were harvested and prepared 
for the British market these 294 scalps of human victims, 
please tell me from what fields they were gathered ? The 
number is sure to be correft, for the report comes from 
the purchaser, a high dignitary ot the Ih'itish crown, a 
wholesale dealer in the article, for which he paid $2940 
in British gold and silver. A (e\v more may have been 
gathered and lost by the wa\-side, but this was the num- 
ber taken tc^ market. At ten dollars each the}' were too 
valuable to be coimted loosel)'. The number agrees with 
the stumps upon the ground in these localities. Until 
we know better we must accept the stor\" as told b}' both 
sides at the time of the transaction. Truth and iustice 
require that another fact, which has been omitted, should 
be told at this time. So far as known to the people here, 
not a woman or child was slain by the enemy in the Val- 
ley. How many, if any, were .-^lain by them in the woods 
and mountains, whither the\' pursued them, was never 
know"n. There was no shutting up of whole families in 
their houses, and then fire set to them and the whole 
consumed together. No slaughter of whole families, 
men, women and children, in that or any other way. 
The wickedness and atrocity to make tlicm execrated 
throughout the civilized world. 

Major Butler, on the morning of the 5th, received a 
letter from a messenger. He called his officers and the 
Indian chiefs around him and read its contents. He ad- 
dressed them earnestly, at' the conclusion they gave a 
great shout. He at once prepared to leave the Valley, 
and set out by way of the Lackawanna, accompanied by 



192 HISTORICAI ADDRKSS. 

Brandt and his command. The)- gained the Susquehan- 
na at Great Bend, from which point Brandt continued on 
to Unadilla, where he is found on the 9th, writing to 
Persifer Carr for corn. Gucingerachton and Kayingwaurto 
went up the Susquehanna, accompanied by the Tories. 
Capt. Spalding's compan\-, accompanied the fugitives 
flying east as far as Stroudsburg, where they remained 
until the4t]i of August, when they returned to the Valley, 
accompanied b}' many of the fugitives. They took pos- 
session and held it till the close of the contest with (jreat 
Britain, although often assailed, and man\' of them killled 
or taken prisoners. 

The dead, Vvho had fallen on the fatal sd, remained un- 
buried until the 22d of October. On the preceding day 
the following order was issued : 

Camp Wkstmorki,.\ni), Oct. 2r, 1778. 
Ordered, That there be a party, consistini^ of a Lieutenant, two .sergeant i 
two corporals and twenty-five men, to parade to-morrow morning, with arm-; 
as a guard to tho.se who will go to bury the remains of the men wlio'were killed 
at the late battle, at and near the place called Wintermute Fort." 

In i)ursuin:c of this order. Lieut. John Jenkins, on the 
morning of the 22d, took charge of a party and went forth 
on the mournful duty assigned them. They took with them 
two carts, some shovels and some two-tined wooden forks. 
The weather having been dry for some time after the 
battle, the bodies had dried and shriveled ui) so that few 
ccndd be recognized. The}' had become so light that two 
men, one at the head autl the otiier at the knees, could 
take a boJy up on their ft)rks and toss it into the cart 
without diffictdtv. Passing along up from J'orty Fort 
they had reached but little more than half wa\- to the 
field of conflict before their carts were full. Tiie}' then 
stopped and (Uig a hole in the e.irth, to burv tiiem. After 
putting in what bodies tl:e_\- had, they found the hole 
still capable of hoi ling m )re. They therefore proceeded 
on to thj battle-held and gathered up all they could 
find there and on the way, and hauled them all to this 
spot, making for them one common grave. It was well 



AT rilK MOXUM'iXT. I93 

it was so (lone, for they went out and fell together in the 
same glorious cause, and in death thev should not ha\'e 
been divided. 

After they had deposited all that could readil\- be found, 
they closed the grave and left them to their rest, where 
they remained until the 4th of Jul\', 1832. when they were 
exhumed, for the purpose of crefting a monument to their 
memory, wliich it is gratifying to record has been done. 
What bodies were not found and buried on that day in 
that grave, were afterwards buried when discovered, on 
the spot where they lay. The number buried at that 
time, where the monument now stands, was 96 — 60 of 
whom were from the battle-field, the rest on the line of 
flight. 

Upon tlic reception of the horrible tidings from \\')- 
oming. Gen. Washington direfted Col. Thomas Hartley to 
form a rendezvous, gather troops and mo\'e against the 
invaders on their own ground. At the same time. Col. 
William Pnitler, of the 4th Pennsyh-ania regiment, was 
ordered from Fort Stanwi.v to go down and form a junc- 
tion with Col. Hartley, at Tioga, and together operate 
against the enem\'. Col. Hartle\- went as far as Tioga, 
took some Indians prisoners, burnt Queen Estht^'s town 
and palace, -and destroved Tioga; but Col. jkitler did 
not appear to join him He returned to Wyoming. ( )n 
his way he was attacke.l bv a considerable bodv of Indi- 
ans, between Wyalusing and Lacey\'ille, on Indian Hill, 
and quite a sharp fight was had. The Indians were 
beaten and fled, leaving ten of their number dead on the 
held. Col. Butler mistook his wa\'. He went down the 
head waters of the Delaware, instead of the Susquehanna. 
Discovering his mistake, he struck across to the Susque- 
hanna, but too iate to C(voperate with Col. Hartle\-. He. 
however, destroyed the Indian castles and villages in the 
neighborhood of Unaddia, up and down the ri\'er. 

The whole country had now become aroused to the 
terrible state of affairs on the frontiers, and vigorous and 



194 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

ample means for subduing these inhuman monsters were 
demanded on all hands. Accordingl)' an expedition 
against them was devised during the winter of 1778-9, 
and set in motion in the following spring. This expe- 
dition was put in charge of Major-General John Sullivan, 
who marched into the Indian country as far as the Gen- 
esee river. He met the enemy in several pitched battles 
the most important of which was at Newtown, and de- 
" feated them in ail. He destroyed forty of their vdlages 
and towns, with 160,000 bushels of corn, and devastated 
their whole country along the line of march. Among the 
slain in a battle at Chemung was Ka\ingwaurto, one of 
the chiefs who led the Indians at Wyoming. This ex- 
pedition, while inflicling serious injury upon them in the 
destru6lion of their homes and means of subsistance, as 
well as by their utter demoralization as a warlike force, 
was not so seriously destructive to them in the loss of 
life, as the results which flowed from it. B\' the destruc- 
tion of their town and crops they were thrown completely 
on the hands of the British, who were compelled to take 
them in and provide for them at Niagara. 

The ensuing winter was (Mie of great rigor and severity. 
The snow fell early and to a great depth, as much as 
eight feet, and remained upon the ground all the winter. 
The cold was intense and continuous, so that it was quite 
' impossible to travel or get about. Shut up in narrow 
ciuarters, and fed on salt provisions, the scurvy broke out 
among them, and a large number died. They never re- 
covered from these complicated calamities, and the once 
mighty Indian confederacy melted away with the open- 
ing of spring, and ceased, from that time forth, to be a 
power of any consequence or importance in the contest 
in which the\' had previously acfled such a conspicuous 
and terrible part. 

The haughty and chivalric of this splendid race of 
savages, whose skill and eloquence in council, and whose 
mighty conquests and long-continued domination over 



AT THE MOXUMKNl'. 1 95 

surroundinor tribes attrafted the attention and won the 
admiration of the enlightened world, seemed to liave 
been worth\' of a better fate, but the degrading and de- 
moralizing influence of association with the British and 
Tories, dragged them down to the lowest depths of de- 
pravity and terminated their career amidst the execra- 
tions of mankind, with none to mourn their unhappy end. 

The IVitish government, from the time when the news 
of the terrible atrocities committed at Wyoming reached 
that country, had all the moral power of her people 
against her in a further [prosecution of the war. The 
opposition became strong and zealous, and it was with 
difficult)' supplies were obtaineci for that purpose. The 
war lingered along without moral force or power for 
some x'ears, became a scheming with treason and a work 
for incendiaries, and finally resulted in a glorious viftory 
for the Americans, and an ignominious defeat of the 
British, who lost not onl\' all they had fought for, but 
thirteen of the brightest jewels from their imperial diadem. 

The Tories fled to Canada, losing eAer\thiiig, gaining 
nothing but an immortality of infamv'. 

The concjuered and their descendants, arose from this 
holocaust of blood and flame with renewed life and vigor. 
They built up the waste places, cleared awa\' the forests, 
erefted homes, established institutions, embellished this 
beautiful Valley, now grown to be what )'ou see them 
around you here to-day, and, perchance, ma\- see to- 
morrow. 

The nation they fought and sacrificed and died to es- 
tablish, is great and mighty, the home of freemen, the 
abode of liberty. In all that enriches and ennobles man- 
kind, in all that iionors and dignifies a nation, she stands 
without a peer. Steam navigation, the telegraph, pho- 
nograph, telephone, microphone, electric pen, and other 
wonders in science and in practical life, have been in- 
vented and wrought out by the genius and skill of her 
people. They have given a mighty impetus to the human 



196 MEMORIAL SERVICES. 

mind, and wiped out all the bounds that have hitiierto 
been set to control its onward progress. The dark, the 
the stone, the brazen, the silver, the golden, the iron, 
and all other ages have been swept away and superceded 
by the eleftric, or lightning age, and this great and 
mighty people have realized in themselves the mytho- 
logical Jupiter Tonans of the ancients, grasping and 
wielding the lightnings of heaven, through dire61:ing 
them to bless instead of curse mankind. 



ODE TO WYOMING. 

A Poem composed by Mrs. Mary B. Richert, of Pittston, and read in a 
very handsome manner by Miss Essie Hopkins, of Brook Hall Female 
Seminary, Media, Pa. 

OEAUTEOUS VALE ! in by-gone times 

^ I ott have rov'd where tuiieful chimes 

Pealed merrily in distant climes — 
Yet, wheresoe'er I have sojoiu-ned, 
Or wheresoe'er my feet have turned. 
One thought on mem'ry's shrine has burned 

In all my roaming ; 
This thought in many a heaving swell 
Has bound me in its magic spell 
To thee, sweet vale, beloved so well — 
Wyoming ! 

Upon thy fields, so broad and green, 

Lying in their changeful sheen, 

The high, blue, circling hills between, 
1 have gazed when noon of day 
With silent march had given way 
To the softened, glimmering ray 

Of early gloaming; 
And wondered if Elysian field 
Ever more delight could yield 
Than thy landscape then revealed - 
Wyoming ! 



AT THE MONUMENT. 1 97 

Where tlie Red man's lofty clock; (i) 

Rugged, grey, old Dial Rock; 

Peers at fair Monockonock, 
Or where crooked Susquehanna, 
By the isle of Gonhiganna, 
Meets his sister Lackawanna 

So wildly foaming: 
Is there aught that can compare 
With the beauty thou dost wear ? 
Can there be a scene so fair — 
Wyoming ? 

Sweetest valley ! I would sing 

All the thoughts that wanton spring 

To soar away on fancy's wing — 
Yes, I would light the sacred fire 
To sweeep the strings of harp or lyre • 

In unison with heavenly choir — 

With clear intoning — 
I then would chaunt in wailings low 
Of all thy trials and thy woe 
That day, one hundred years ago — 
Wyoming I 

See the silent, hlootl-stained stone 

Once with murdered corpses strown; 

Cruel Esther's transient throne. 
Or Wintermute, where scenes of gore 
In those trying days of yore 
Crowned all bloody scenes before; 

W'hen sad the groaning, 
Of thy children, rose in vain, 
When their cries of want and pain 
Swelled in terror o'er thy plain — 
Wyoming I 

For battle cry and bugle sound, 

F'rom hill to hill in mad resound, 

Hath echoed o'er thy classic groun 
From Forty Fort one Summer day 
Thy sons marched forth with banners gay 
To meet the foe in deadly fray: 

Then at the gloaming — 

Where those gallant heroes, where ? 

With will to do and S3ul to dare — 

Died they for their country there — 

W^yoming ? 



198 MRS. RICHKRT's PORM. 

Nor fretted vault, nor costly shrine, 

Where gnarled yew and ivy twine. 

Entomb those noble sons of thine; 
But on thy face, so fair, outspread 
Beside the river's silver thread. 
With skies of azure overhead 
So high cndoming 
A sepulchre, where daisies wave 
Above the ashes of the brave, 
Thy sons have found an honored grave - 
Wyoming ! 

Vale of my heart ! I pra'se thee yet; 
Thou peerless gem in mountains set 
Whose pine-ridged tops the storm-clouds frei; 
To thee alone my praise belongs; 
' Thou art the theme of all my songs, 
While still the story of thy wrongs 
With wild bemoaning 
In mournful numbers erst again. 
Brings back to mind the old rehain 
Of all thy suffering and thy pain- 
Wyoming ! 

Though I may roam m future time 

In many and many a distant clime 

And gaze on scenes far more sublime: 
Yet wheresoe'r I may sojourn. 
Or wheresoe'r my feet may turn, 
O.ie flair.e will in my bosom burn 

Through all my roaming; 

A true Pole-star this flame will be; 
A beacon light on every sea. 
To turn my heart to thee, to thee 
Wyoming ! 

(i) Campbell's Ledge, sometimes called Dial Mountain, a perpendicular 
cliff several hundred feet in height at the upper end of the valley, presenting 
a face bearing almost exactly North and South, is a noted landmark to be seen 
from all parts of the plain below, indicating 12 o'clock noon when the Sun is 
observed to be shining on its face. 



ORATION. 

Hv Rev. Wm. F. Abbott, D. D. 

In all ages and lands the unselfish heroism of those 
who have sacrificed for liberty and loved ones has been 
the kindling inspiration ot eloquence, of poetry and pa- 
triotic fervor. It inspired the muse of Collins in his 
beautiful ode, "The sleep of the Brave ;" it inflamed the 
enthusiasm of (Chatham, whose favorite theme was the 
greatness of his countr}' and the glory of her defenders ; 
it evoked the majestic eloc[uence of Webster, and on 
Bunker Hill he marshalled the sturdy heroes of seventy- 
six in glittering arrav. It has stirred the hearts of those 
whose ancestors, a liundred years ago, dyed red Wyom- 
ing's soil with their life blood ; and from the north and 
south, the east aild west we have come on a pious pilgrimage 
to this ancestral shrine, and by the tomb containing their 
ashes, under the shadow of this shaft which marks it, we 
commemorate their struggle and their end. 

It may be asked by some. What means this vast as- 
semblage here ? And wh)- are Gertrude's, sons and 
daughters gathered here .^ .Vnd why booms the cannon, 
beats the drum and sounds the bugle bla=t, the grand 
address, too, that quivere:! on the morning air.'' And 
when we answer that here three hundred fell, among' the 
noblest of the sons of man, we may be told that disas- 
ters have occured on sea and land, which in a moment's 
time have hurried to etcrnit}- more souls than the dis- 
imprisoned host who soared to heaven from Wyoming's 
battle field a hundred years ago, and yet their sad end 



200 ABBOTTS ORATION. 

has secured their name and memory no such testimonial 
as this. Why should those who perished here, the vi6lim-^ 
of an ambuscade, with notev^enthe glamour of vi6lory over 
their fierce invaders to enfold their deeds with splenior-- 
Why should these receive this ceremony, pomp an 1 
gorgeous pageant .'' 

I answer, first; because this event of the nation's liis- 
fory was one of many that helped to steel the heart and 
nerve the arm of those composing the Continental arm\- 
in their awful struggle with British servitude and savage 
fury. 

In critical periods of great movements, ha\-e you no- 
ticed how often Providence has used some passing epi- 
sode, apparently most trifling, to nerve the heart and 
stimulate the arm of their defenders and hasten on the 
viftory.'^ No Roman historian, at the time, thought the 
Crucifixion scene on Calvary worthy of a passing men- 
tion, but Goi has made Golgotha to flame with light, the 
hated cross, the rallying point of all the nations and the 
symbol of their advancing civilization. The sacred ban- 
ner of the Moslem was once the red shawl of Ma- 
homet, hi'^ scarf in battle, a screen in camp to hide 
the contents of his (jrand Pavilion ; but since his 
death that mantle has been to Islain, like Klijah's to 
Elisha, an inspiration and a power ; its light has ever 
fired the Turkish heart and intensified its blood)- zeal. 
As that b.inner tr) the Turks, so Wyoming, red with the 
blood of Jul\' 3d. 1778, was to the American army. The 
sturdy colonists saw, in the tr.ige Iv ena6led there, their 
end if the foe could work his will, and from it came an 
inspiration inflaming their zeal, increasing their strength, 
spurring them on ag.iinst the ranks of British regular, 
Hessian hireling and inhuman sa\'age ; h df clad, half fed, 
sometim:^ with frozen bleeding feet, till at last at York- 
town the Lion of the Normans and the Cross of St- 
George went down before their starr\' banner and the 
freedom for which the\- sii/hed was wo.i. 



AT THi: MONUMENT. 20I 

But more than this: We are here to-day became these 
slatrq^htered viftims were our sires. Their record was 
brief and bloody, but their children need not blush as 
llicy pjruse it. Not storied pages of the past, the voice 
of oratory, nor poet's moving strain reveal a brighter 
glory than that streaming from their faithful lives and 
tragic death. Demosthenes may talk of those who rush- 
ed upon di.-.tru6lion at Marathon, stood unflinchingly at 
Platea and slept in the tombs at Artimissium ; Chatham 
may stir the English heart with recitations of valorous 
deeds wrought by their armies ; Webster, calm, grand, 
sublime, from 'Olympus' Loftiest Peak' with thunderous 
eloquence, may laud the heroes of Bunker Hill, but we 
talk to-day of the heroes of Wyoming, our fathers, who 
in the purity of their lives, the dauntlessness of their 
valor and the costliness of their sacrifice, stand shoulder 
to shoulder with the greatest warriors who have ever 
wielded gleaming blade or shouted for the battle. 

And yet, it is not mine to linger here. The fitting, 
rich and elegant eulogies paid their memory this morn- 
ing, bv those so honorable of their descendants : — Wright, 
our orator and statesman, Chapman, whose manly utter- 
ances have made our hearts to glow; the studious Jen- 
kins, whose research has this day culminated in a historic 
narrative which will immortalize his name ; the classic 
Dana, just fitted for ever}^ sphere in which he has been 
placed, from where waved his warrior plume at Vera Cruz, 
and Cerro Gordo, to where he stormed and carried El 
Pinal's pass and entered Mexico, down to the more re- 
cent struggle crushing out rebellion, where he exchanged 
the eagle for the star; as gifted at the bar as on the field, 
while from the bench he comes with his judicial ermine 
pure. These have paid the richest tribute to ancestral- 
worth. Be it mine to dwell upon the fruitage of their toil. 

From the beginning, humanit\' has reached the high- 
est conditions of civilization only through ordeals most 
terrific. Indeed, the law of all advance in civilization, 



202 



AliHOTT S ORATION'. 



morals and religion, is this, "Throus^h much tribulation.' 
Perhaps, standing where I do, so near the anniversar>' of 
our nations inrth, it may not be inappropriate to illus- 
trate this thought by referring to her struggles past. We 
look out over our fair heritage, extending, says the lam- 
ented Duncan, from where God's perpetual bow of peace 
glorifies Niagara's cliff, to our southern sea-girt line, 
where Divine blessings makes it seem an Eden of beauty 
and perfe6lion ; from Plymouth Rock, where the Eastern 
song of the sea begins its morning music, to the far off 
Pacific, where the tides murmur an evening benedi6lion 
upon our beloved land as they roll out neath the setting 
sun. A vast territory twent}'-six hundred miles in 
length, and twent)--four hundred miles in width, possess- 
ing every variety ol climate I'rom polar snows to tropic 
heats, and in it all, we glor}-. We look upon our go\ein- 
ment founded b)- men like Washington and Jefferson, de- 
veloped and preserved by those like Claw with his elec- 
tric fire and impassioned eloquence; the clear, terse, 
logical Calhoun, who. Tell-like, alwa\s cleaved the ap- 
ple with the darts of his well filled quiver; and honest 
Lincoln, who, while securing the interests of one race, 
redeemed another. All greater statesmen than Greece 
or Rome could boast of, even in their palmiest days ; and 
of this government we are proud. 

We look at its resources from the anthracite and iron 
of our old Ke\"Stone state, to western ri\"ers whose sands 
are mingled with gold, and to western mountains so 
tinftured with silver that they glimmer in the moon,s 
pale ray and the western prairie, the world's harvest field 
and granary ; at the inventive genius of its inhabitants 
made manifest in machinery for steam, driving the 
leviathan of the brin)- deep, and palaces more gorgeous 
than Cleopatra's barge on all our inland waters; making 
iron horses to chase each other wildly throughout all our 
borders, and in e\ery form of wonder, from that which 
captures the fire)- lightning's flash to imprisonment of 



AT rHK MONUMENT. 



203 



souiiil and articulations of the phonosj^raph ; we look up- 
on rvur educational system interwoven with the life of our 
rciHiblic; our churches. smokin^G^ altars where the incense 
of the nation rises unto God both day and nii^ht; our 
open Bible, the palladium of our libert\'; our forty millions 
of population, who in spite of agitation caused by dem- 
agog les were never, for a generation past, as united under, 
nor allied as firmly to our constitution as to-day. 

And as all this, the vastness of our territor)'. the 
stability of our government, the greatness of our re- 
sources, the splendor of our institutions, our scholarship 
and religious freedom, together with the world-wide re- 
spe61: our flag commands — as all this passes before our 
visio'.i we sing : 

My country 'lis of tliee. 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I shil;: 
I, anil where our fathers dieci. 
Land of the ril;.;rlm's |>ride, 
I'roni every mountain side. 

Let Freedom ring. 

Hut let us ask a c^uestion here. From whence all this.'' 
Was this Eldorado, looming up between the seas, all 
green and golden amid the dashing billows, the acme of 
perfection both in territory and government; was this the 
home our fathers found when first they breasted oceans 
fury in search for freedom ? We answer, No ! 

To-morrow I am told will witness, — passing through 
the streets of W'llkesbarre, marshalled and led b}- one of 
her truest sons, the noble Stanle\' Woodward-a grand 
procession symbolic of all interests connc61ed with W^\-- 
oming's history from the beginning. Let me antedate 
that panorama with another, if less interesting, only be- 
cause less graphically portrayed, but showing some scenes 
through which this nation has passed on her way to the 
position she occupies this hour 

Time, the tireless weaver, has been taking into his 
great loom the hours, the days, the weeks and the months 
of storied past, and from tliem throwing off the product 



204 ABBOTT'S ORATION. 

in all the years which mark our history, all of them 
eventful, and yet as one star differeth from another star 
in glory, so the years of our history have differed. Some 
stand out with sublime distin6lness like lofty mountain 
peaks, and from their summit we behold a landscape 
fraught with intensest interest to all before me. Let us 
scale a few, and from their brow watch this nation in its 
onward march. We are standing now on 1620, and look- 
ing Eastward we behold a band of men, the purest, sifted 
from European ignorance and bondage, embarking at 
Delft Haven, and from that Netherland harbor glides the 
Mayflower freighted with principles as well as souls im- 
mortal — principles which have struggled hard with 
Eastern tyranny and have been driven out to waken 
echoes from a bleak New England shore, to rise above 
the surging main and howling tempest of a Northern 
winter, to thrive amid the perils of most fierce disease 
and fiercer savage foes till at last they culminate in liberty 
civil and religious. And now ascend another peak. It 
is 1776. The little one has become a thousand. Out of 
that feeble New Englanci colony and other sisters of sim- 
ilar weakness, a host, three million strong arises along the 
Atlantic sea-board. But the oppressor's hand rests 
heavily upon them. Taxationgrinds out hatred to the 
mother country and rude soldiery inflame the rankling 
fury of their wrath, until at last, at Philadelphia, the de- 
claration to the world is made that these American col- 
onies are free and independent. Eor six long years the 
suffering colonists wage a fearful contest against tremend- 
ous odds, until at last freedom comes. Through fire and 
blood, through battle and death, America is exalted a 
long way up toward the goal of a perfect civilization. 

And now another mountain let us climb ; it is that of 
1 86 1. For eighty \ears America has flamed up along 
the path of national greatness as n<.> other country ever 
had. Hut a cloud was looming up athwart her sky. At 
first it was no bigger than a man's hand ; it kept increas- 



AT IHE MONUMENT. 205 

ing and the muttering thunder of its fury was often heard. 
Through compromise it would decrease for a Httle time, 
yet only to enlarge again, assuming each time greater di- 
mensions than before. It was the gathering storm of the 
rebellion, generated b}- human bondage — at last it came. 
Battle fires where lighted over our plains and along our 
rivers, cannon mouthed their notes of death, musket an- 
swered musket, steel clashed with steel and patriot and 
rebel fell together in a common grave. 

Four x'ears the contest raged until at length the stain 
upon our otherwise fair history was washed away with 
blood, and up from the conflict this Republic marched, 
bearing aloft the same banner that had waved in triumph 
at Yorktown years before, with not a stripe erased nor 
star eclipsed, whilefrom thebendingpine topsof our north- 
ern boundar\" to w here the orange and magnolia of ^ lor- 
ida are blooming, from stern New England's coast to 
broad Columbia's flowery slope nought then was heard, 
nor is there now but one grand shout of universal liberty. 

From whence this heritage, in extent so vast, in gov- 
ernment so benign, in resource so rich, and in population 
so happy ? We answer, out of tribulation. Her robes 
are pure indeed, but she has washed them in the blood of 
fathers, sons and brothers 

What is true as to furnaces of trial through which this 
nation has been compelled to pass in order to see the 
splendid spectacle she exhibits to the world to-day is true 
of Wyoming Valley. Pause here a moment and survey 
the beauty of this far famed vale. All around it, as if for 
walls of ston)' defense, rise mountains, modest allies of 
the Alleghenies. from whose summit their distant peaks 
are visible. Its territory twent\' miles in length, from 
four to five in width, is that ot fertile uplands and rich 
alluvial flats. Over all its fields the ripening harvests 
wave, or else the yellow glebe bespeaks them gathered, 
while through it winds the .Susquehanna, with waters 
pure and limpid as those that gladdened Eden when earth 



. 20D ABBOTT S OR A TIOX. 

was [)ure and God walked and tallccd with man. Its sil- 
very rippling' waves flowin<^ between the floral borders, 
on inarch to the distant sea, murmur more distin6lly now as 
•r anxious that their music shall swell the chorus of mel- 
litluous host who by their side in sweetest song, recite 
this day Wyoming's trials and her triumphs. Here rise 
a line of villages from Exeter, still keeping watch and 
ward over northern entrance, to Pittston, divided by the 
^ftream, on one side lovely as. a poet's dream, and on the 
other bearing marks of industry and rich reward ; next 
comes Wyoming and Old Forty I'ort, the theatre of the 
awful tragedy we now commemorate, and Plains, the 
home of men whose names and deeds add lusture to our 
histor\' ; while Nanticoke still watches the Southern Pass. 
In the midst of all a beauteous queen arises ; lier throne 
is one of splendor, her robes of gold and ]:)urple are from 
the loom where industry and love both weave; her crown 
is set with gems, not plucked from others by war's rude 
hand, but from her own deep mines they came, polished 
by subterranean lapidaries in the densedarknessof her hills. 
Beneath her septred hand no sullen subjeft toils, but 
cheerful vas.sals sing and serve. Her offspring are of clas- 
sic taste and manly courage, and of hospitality unbounded. 
In all her tlisposition we see the heroism of brave Wilkes 
combined with tne generous nobility of aesthetic Barre, 
and thrilled with admiration for her worth we bow down 
and worshio with the pra\'er that, while over her the blue 
sky scatters sunshine and distils the dew, while stream- 
lets murmur down her wood-capped mountains and 
sparkling Susquehanna lingers at her feet, and her found- 
er's deeds are an inspiration both to acts of charity and 
deeds of valor, Wilkes-Barre may shine on, Wyoming's 
Queen, the l^mpress of this lo\'el)' vale. 

As all the beaut)- of this charming \'alle\', so rich and 
varied, her s(^il {)roliinc. her mineral wealth unbounded, 
a native po]~)ulation intelligent, with art and science 
facilitating their ad\'ance, annihilating distance, promot- 



AT THE MONUMENT. 2O7 

ing- case in travel, speedin.^^ on this thought, as all this 
lies spread out before us we ask from whence it came— 
and if fallen downward from the throne of God or upward 
leaped from the soft green -sward ? Is this rich inheri- 
tance the accident of a single hour ? We answer : No ! 

Not through srh:)ry's myrtle arches, 
Not by grand triumphal marches ; 

Hut by a pathway sad and ih-eary, 

And with Ibotstfps worn and weary 

has Wyoming reached the proud and coveted honors 
she so mdestly wears to day. 

Mr. President : I wish 1 had the ability to do better 
the task I have undertaken, to present a pifture of these 
peaceful homes, and God-like blessings, so that all might 
more fully appreciate their worth. Marc Antony when 
calletl upon to recite the tale of C;esar's wrongs and 
tragic fate, felt himself alone unec^ual to the task, and so 
he held up before the eyes of K.ome the rent and blood- 
stained mantle of the conqueror. "Look!" he said: "In 
this place ran Cassius' dagger through. Through this the 
well-beloved T^rutus stabbed, and as he plucked the cursed 
steel away, mark how the blood of C;vsar followed it." 
Mr. President ; as keenly as 1 feel my inability to do the 
work I have undertaken, I should be more embarrased 
still if left to naked fafts, or alone to the resources of my 
imagination. But I have other help. No blood-stained 
garment worn by some sturdy hero of the past is mine 
to wave before you, but the place, the theatre where 
strong foes grappled and a tragedy was wrought, among 
the bloodiest of the world, is here. To this I point. 

Here came the Kastern settlers— Here they halted. 
Here amid the stillness of forest wilds, its poverty and 
fear, they found a home. At first the days were dark. The 
war for independence demanded their strong men, and 
they freely gave them. The Pennsylvania claimants 
sought to drive them from their hard earned substance ; 
and so amid alternate hope and fear they came to the 
opening of 1778. That gifted orator and polished writer, 



2o8 abijott's oratiox. 

wliosc life for }'ears was one of toil for the development 
of his valley home, a man loyal to every trust, no mat- 
ter whether felling forest timber, making maple sugar, 
rafting down the Lehigh and the Delaware, the anthracite 
in which he had such faith, inditing at the editorial desk 
the sayings of Poor Robert, representing his adopted coun- 
ty in the Legislature of the state, writing the history of 
Wyoming, or standing by the side of men like Clay and 
Webster — his warm personal friends — pleading for the 
abolition of slavery in the Distri6l of Columbia, and at 
the last, when bending beneath the weight of four score 
years and four, beholding in the emancipation proclama- 
tion the harvest whose seed he helped to scatter, shouted 
as the angel host stood waiting to convey him home : 
"Now Lord lettest Thou, thy servant depart in peace, 
for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." 

Charles Miner, thus paints Wyoming in the opening of 
1778. — The first bright beams of a January sun lighted a 
s:an2 at Wyoming of white, cold, yet placidbeaut\- ; hill 
and dale were clad in virgin snow, the smoke rose curl- 
ing to the skies from a hundred cottages, barns surround- 
ed with stacks of wheat showed that the staff of life was 
abundant. Cattle and sheep, sheltered in rude sheds, 
sleek and thriving gave evidence that they shared in the 
superabounding plenty of those fertile plains ; the deep- 
mouthed watch -dog barked fierceh' at the passing sled 
drawn by a span of smart horses, with jingling bells, and 
filled with merry boys, and girls going to some wedding 
or quilting party. The flail sounded on the thrashing 
floor. The flax-break and hatchell were in a6tive requi- 
sition. The spinning wheel buzzed its lound, while the 
shuttle sped in its rapid flight. How peaceful and how 
quiet then. Yet it was onl\- like the calm which pre- 
cedes the fearful storm. 

A few brief months are past and the strife begins. At 
Exeter, blows among the first, are struck by savage foes, 
and as the\' pluck the cursed steel away, see how the 



AT THF. MONUMENT. 209 

blood of Harding and of Hadsnll flows. And there is 
Forty Vovt, the place of gathering when signal gun was 
sounded. We see it filled with terror stricken wives and 
mothers and brave men both venerable and yoimg. The 
war conucil is at an end, the demand for unconditional 
surrender refused, the resolution passed to fight, if need 
be, to die, but to surrender never. And out the\- march 
that brave three hundred, to find a new Thermopylae. 
Farewells are spoken, kisses waved by manly hands from 
lijjs never again to breathe the sainted name of wife and 
mother. Yet not there upon the open fields is all the 
suffering of the da\- ; within the fort is anguish terrible. 
Here is the recent bride, her blushing beauty changed to 
ashy paleness, for ever}' rifle's crack and savage yell seem 
but the death-knell of her love. And there I sec the 
aged mother, listening for notes of victory and returning 
footsteps, to greet her hearing nevermore. Here smiles 
unconscious infancy, and wondering childhood prattles, 
and lisps forth questions concerning absent father, which 
pierce the heart of mother like the steel of bayonet and 
glittering sword. 

But hark ! Yonder the rolling drum, the fife's shrill 
notes, the rattling musketrv all speak the opening of the 
fray. At first the enemy retires, but soon the Spartan 
band awake to the fa6l that the>' are dupes of Indian 
cunning, and panic seizes them. All around there rise 
a demon host. " No quarter for damned Yankees !" is 
their cry. Scalping knife, and tomahawk are dripping 
with their life's stream. Mutilated, dead and dying strew 
the ground. Grey haired sire and manly youth are alike 
disfigured beyond the recognition of the penetrating eye of 
love. Pillage and conflagration follow; the sky is lurid with 
the light of burning harvests and homes; the air is hot 
with flames. Humanitx- and mercy hide their face ; fiends 
have an hour of triumph. This, this is but the carnival 
of Hell. 

Yonder sleeps Monockasy — How like an emerald gem 
it rises now above the limpid water : Then it was a scene 



210 ABIIOTTS ORATION. 

of fratricidal murder and barbaric deeds. And there is 
Queen Esther's bloody Rock. The t^rass and Howers co- 
quette so gaii)' with each other as this da\s" summer I reeze 
bestirs them ; then a spirit damned, in awful fury dashed 
down with war club the captured heroes of the hour. And 
( ther scenes are here all sjicaking" of unrest, of toil and 
fearful sacrifice, and up from these and out of fne and 
blood and death this tair Arcadia, we call \\'\-omini^', has 
come to us. 

We stand to-da\\ where our fathers did a hundred 
years ai^o, but how great the change. They fought for 
libert\- and a briglucr future : we bask in the noontide 
splendor of their brightest anticipations. Like Moses on 
shining Pisgah, they looked forward to a rich inheritance: 
vvc have entered in ; the corn, the wine, the oil are ours. 
Their's was the song of the sower treading in the furrow ; 
ours is the jubilee of the reaper with the music of the 
waving harvest in his hearing. They looked onward, 
with expeftant gaze to future blessings ; we look back- 
ward over the winding paths of destinx', at Red Seas and 
Jordans whose obedient waters parted at their coming, 
showing that naught can hinder the onward march of 
those who step to the drum beat of Providence. One 
hundred }'ears ago ! why, every circumstance then was 
but a pro{)hes}- whose grand fulfilment is unrolled before 
us on this festal da>'. The wood fire on old andirons, 
around which the fathers gathered for rest and social 
cheer, was but a symbol of that now glowing from dia- 
monds black, long buried neath our feet, but at last dis- 
co\-ered and made to burn, b}- h'ell ; enriching those who 
followed, and populating the \alley till the tread of dusky 
workmen, and the hum of busv industry have forever dis- 
turbed the pastoral quiet. 'The rude log huts in which 
the fathers dwelt, were onl}^ types of architefturc that 
rises in palace grandeur on every side. The monthly peri- 
odical, which the\' so gkidly hailed from their Hartford 
home, was but the harbinger of the thousand dailies, all 
flying like tiie wind, and welcome messengers at every 



AT TIIK MONUMENT. 211 

door. The lumhcrinir .stage coach, with its \veekl\' round 
was a herald of the h^coniotive,. which, with U^ng wliite 
plume and startling scream, now climbs our splendid 
liigiits, while in his train we see the mirrored palace di- 
vesting travel of its weariness. While the postman's horn 
so sweet and clear, rising from th.e plains below, and up- 
ward leaping from crag to crag, iVom mountain peak to 
mountain psak. rDUsing from his lair the deer, antl from 
his eyre the e.igle. wis oidv tempting the harnessed 
lightning's fame, to-day sweeping the chariot of our 
thoughts over the black wires yonder, the iugh wa\- o'er 
which it dashes. 

The noble dead who.se deed.s we this day commemorate, 
were but the advance guard of a mightier liost. their 
children's children and descendants, mustered into service 
for this dyas willing march from Forum, Bench and Bar ; 
from sacred desk and physican's noble toil ; from honest 
yeoman's home and the halls of education; from mer- 
chant's counter and banker's desk; from editor's chair; 
from high rank in the army and where the na\'\- floats; 
from all the walks, of bus\' honorable life ; and at their 
head I see the children of the joint commanders of Wy- 
oming's arm\' a hundred }'ears ago. — Steuben Butler, son 
of gallant Zebulon, highl\' honored this day, not alone 
because of royal parentage, but for his own intrinsic 
worth, witii long and spotless life and x^enerable form he 
stands before us now, the embodiment of all that is good 
and true : and Saraii Denison Abbott, daughter of the 
chivalric Nathan Denison, and with saintly spirit, gen- 
erous heart and chara6ler s\mmetrical, she seems as 
graceful now at four-score },'ears and six, as when she 
bloomed in lovely maidenhood. Following these we have 
come to this sacred place to drop our tribute of re^pefi: 
upon the tomb of those who died for home and libertv. 

But I must not linger, and \'et before I close I would 
like to impress one thought upon the hearts of all who 
hear me. Perhaos I can the more successfuUv do this bv 



212 ABBOTTS ORATION". 

asking a single question. On what depends the perpe- 
tuit}' of national life and its attendant blessings, the fruit 
of our fathers' toil and blood ? On wealth ? No, for gov- 
ernments whose wealth was equal to that of "Ormus and 
of Ind" now only live in history and in song. On terri- 
torial acquisition ? No, for Rome once thought this 
necessar}' to the preservation ot her life, and under Julius 
Caisar her eagles flew through Asia, reddened the Rhine 
with German blood, pursued the shattered army of the 
great Pompey into Africa, and made all the rivers of the 
Adriatic to roll along the sound of their viftories ; yet 
Roman glory paled before the Goths and Vandals. On 
military prowess, vast armies and brave chieftains .'' No ! 
No man more thoroughly respefts the army, from our 
Great Commander, Sherman, to the humblest private in 
the ranks, I revere them all. But when I find that not- 
withstanding the brazen clad hosts of Philip, and the 
mailed warriors of Xer.Kes, both Macedon and Persia 
have only fragments of ruined grandeur left, my faith in 
military power to preserve the nation is shaken. Nor 
can we hope for governmental perpetuity from far-sighted 
statesmanship, for Greece gave birth to Lycurgus and 
Pericles, Solon and Socrates, and others whose wisdom, 
purity and eloquence have ever been the admiration of 
the world. But Greece is now the tributary of a stronger 
power. Nor yet on intelligence may w-e depend. I 
know that knowledge is a balm for poverty and some- 
times its cure ; a solace in adversity, often drawing its 
envenomed sting ; a critic of legislation often probing to 
the death unjust exa6lments ; a bulwark against crime, 
and a help to its abatement, and because of this we glory 
in our free-school system which tends to the acquisition 
and diffusion of this knowledge. Yet not alone may we 
hope for the future of our Gountr\'. The word of God is 
tile corner stone, and its teachings the frame work of this 
republican temple, dedicated to civil and religious liberty, 
and as we hope for life, to this must we cling. Our Bibles. 



AT IHl-: MONUMENT. 213 

!iot our statute books; our altars, not armies, are the deep, 
strong and- lasting sources of our national prosperity. 
All the blessings resulting from a proper use of wealth, 
Christian statesmanship, territorial grandeur, and en- 
lightened intelligent civilization, spring from this foun- 
tain. Remove this book and its influence from our midst, 
and the darkness of the middle ages, the darkness which 
covered France like a pall, during the "Reign of Terror," 
will settle down upon our nation. If we desire that our 
land shall furnish the novelist; the orator and painter, 
the wild romantic scenery of war, the march of glittering 
armies and the revelry of the camp. If we desire that 
anarch)' and confusion, shall take the place of law and 
order ; that jealousy and selfishness, hatred and revenge 
shall have full and unlimited sway in our midst, then let 
us ignore the truths and influence of the precious word 
of God. But if we desire the blessings of the present 
time to be perpetuated, to transmit the fair heritage, 
that cost our father's sacrifice and blood to our posterity; 
if we desire a record as a nation, such as shall honor 
God and bless mankind, a record -whose smile might play 
upon an angel's face and whose tears would not stain an 
angle's cheek, then let us cling to the Bible with a schol- 
ar's enthusiasm, a Christian's hope and a patriot's love. 



Note — Rev. William P. Abbott, author of the foregoing 
oration, was a son of Stephen Fuller Abbott and Char- 
lotte Miner Abbott, daughter of Charles Miner, the his- 
torian of Wyoming. He was born in old Wilkesbarre. 
now Plains township, about the year 1834 — He was a 
popular and eloquent Divine of the M. E. church, and 
died at his post of duty in charge of a leading church in 
the city of New York soon after this, his last public ap- 
pearance on any important occasion. 



WYOMING MASSACRE. 

Historical Poem by Jesse Haidiny;, whose grandfather was one of the proto- 
martyrs of the Massacre, having been killed l)y the Indians, at Exeter, on the 
day prior to the liattle. Rtad by Judge Dana. 

T I FT thy mantle O Time ! let us s^e what appears; 
'^ Read wliat is inscribed on the face of tliy scroll, 
The handwritings left by the flood tide of years, 

A century's pages vouchsafe to unroll — 
The phantoms of hopes and the rivers of tears 

Which have gladden'd the spirit or crush'd out the soul; 
The rulings of Fate, to demolish or spare, 
Let us see, let us read, for our fathers were th.-re. 

Far down to the East, beyond mountain anrl ylen. 
Where old Ocean is stay'd by her roci< serried shore. 

Our forefathers landed, brave, resolute men ; 

It vi^as freedom of conscience they sought and no more. 

Their right to serve (jod as seemed l)est unto them. 
Provide for their wives and their chikb'cn a store; 

Denied of these riglits, unappalled, undismay'd, 

Tliey fled from the toils that (3]ipression had laid. 

We must pass by an age to adaj)! and fultill, 

An age to expand, to budd up and ac(|uire — 
See, now there are farms upon valley and iiill; 

Eacli vale lias its schooiliouse, each village its spire, 
And each Httle streamlet is turning its mill; 

And all seem as touch'd with the finger of fire. 
Connecticut, filled to the point of unrest, 
Is already telling her sons to "go West." 

The old road to Empire; they folk)w'il the track 

By the dim, fading paths the natives had made. 
Made Wyommg vale their first point of attack, 

By feeling their way through the forest's dark shade; 
Their worldly possessions they carried by ]iack, 

By horse, or by cart, as necessity liade - 
Came not to destroy, like the Vandal or Hun, 
Bat each l)rju.cht his s:hjjl bj )ks, lis bihL' an 1 gun. 



AT THE MONUMENT. {'5 

Their axes and other rough tools were at hand, 

Such arms as men use in the battle of life, 
To build them log cabins and clear up their land, 
. .And make the way pleasant for children and wife. 
The wild and the wayward were kept in command. 

Their oil was pour'd out on the waters of strife; 
In the right ever ready to dare and defy. 
Their faith and their powder were always ke]H dry. 

Like' old Cincinnatus, to farm was their trade; 

All soldiers and statesmen, both little and great, 
Ever true to their precepts, they fought as they pray'dj 

And laid deep and wide the foundation of state. 
They wore well their honors, their titles display'd — 

"Gen'ral" or "Oorp'ral" there was nought to abate. 
In political fervor somewhat in excess, 
"Town meetings" their Congress, the "town tree" their press. 

Our grandmothers, O may their spirits still rest. 

And over their dust may the verdure still bloom — 
God's gifts to our grandsires, the first and the best. 

They lift up the way through the forest's dark gloom; 
Their hands were at home on the coat or the vest; 

They work'd with a will at the wheel or the loom; 
Well skill'd in the arts of each feminine trade. 
The wheel was the organ those ancient dames play'd. 

Ever ready to chide, to advise or to leach. 

Good Puritan maxims they have at command; 
Their knitting work seldom gets out of their reach 

And household utensils are always at hand; 
Their cakes and their pies are most excellent each, 

Their "baked beans and puddings" the best in the land; 
Each claims the first prize for the best pumpkin pie. 
And the 1 e^t smoking loaf of Indian and rye. 

ImiMoveinents went onward; the highways and farms, 
The church and the schoolhouse, the bridge and the mill, 

The march of mind's culture, society's charms. 
Each, all had their office and end to fulfill; 

But Rumor arriv'd, with her stock of alarms — 
A voice of foreboding she'd heard on the hill — 

And borne by the winds, as a sound from afar, 

Came the yell of the Indian, the mutt'rings of war. 

In the Spring of seventeen seventy-eight 

War clouds in the North had begun to expand— 



2l6 HARDINCr'S POKM. 

Loom'd on the sky like the frovvnings of Fate, 

And roU'd their dark volumes in gloom o'er the l;\n<l 

The war song was chanted both early and late - 
The Indians and Tories menacingly stand - 

All led by John Butler, i-and looking this way 

With the glare of the tiger when scenting his prey. 

But soon they came down like the wolf in the night. 
Stealthy and sly on their serpentine way, 

Like spirits of evil, that shrink from the light, 
And are not to be found in the radiance of day 

With guns, spears and hatchets, all ready to fight 
Whene'er they can steal unawares on their prey. 

The first of their victims were some hapless swains 

Who were hoeing their corn up on I'.xeler's plains. 

They ambushed their paths and like beasts of the chase 
Lay crouching and Waiting their prey to appear; 

Two brothers, first caught, fired full in their face, 

And then bared their breasts to the hatchet and spear. 

They lost their own lives, but their friends fled apace 
By the warning they gave, and the promptings of fear. 

Long time may Tradition be able to tell, 

And point to the spot, where the Harding boys fell. 

John Gardner was with them; he carried no gun; 

Surrendered— was spared with a margin of hope; 
Was chain'd to a log till the battle they'd won, 

Then loaded with plunder and led by a rope. 
And driven along till endurance was done, 

And nature with hardships could no longer cojje. 
Then fell by the wayside, to rest with the dead — 
Was tortured to death by tiie squaws, it was said. 

The Hadsalls were ambush'd, and young James was shot: 
The rest were all captur'd and sent to their fires. 2 

Excepting l)oy John, who escaoed the hard lot 
By hiding himself in the willows and briars. 

But when they arrive at the dark, gloomy spot 

The death whoop is sounded and vengeance requires 

More blood; old James Hadsall is hurl'd to his rest; 

A poor negro, 3 butcher'd, was thrown on his lu'cast. 

The foe reach'd the valley at Wintermute's Fort, 

Where treason anil traitors had brought them by night. 

The land was convuls'd at the fearful report — 

Men, women and children were whelmed in affright; 



AT THE MONUMENT. 21/ 

'Twis all (lire disiiiny, witli uncertain resort, 

Whether to surrender, to fly or to tight; 
The men flew to arms, as they thought it was best, 
.And each mother elasp'd her babe close to lier breast. 

A council was call'd and the .settlers appear'd, 

To calmly discu.ss the great question at hand; 
To tell what they thought, what they hoped and they fearjj, 

To the end that some way of escape might be planned. 
Some said hold the forts, whilst other some jeer'd. 

Said No ! we'll go forth and deliver the land. 
Wrong coun.sels pre vail 'd— the rash had their way- 
And that was the cause why we've met here to-day. 

On the third of July, a century this day, 

Our forces came forward to do and to dare, 
With music and banners in battle array. 

To find and to drive the foe out of his lair; 
But much to their cost they found him at bay. 

And their own little army enclosed in a snare; 
When the battle was joined, too late, 'twould appear. 
They found themselves pressed upon front, flank and rear. 

They charged on the foe with the might of despair, 

For a time all their forces and terrors defy — 
Did all that was human their cause to repair — 

Gave back blow for blow, shot for shot in reply. 
The odds were too great, weight too heavy to bear — 

They falter, they waver, they break and they fly ! 
Each blood-spattered Fury slipp'd the leash from her pack, 
And the kennels of Hell were let loose on their track ! 

Avert your eyes, Mercy, and shut up your ears 

To the crashing of hatchets, the gleaming of knives, 

The roaring of muskets, the plunging of spears. 

The yells, and the scalps, and the last groan of liv^s 

The regent of terrors, and monarch of fears 
Are holding their revel till no Whig survives — 

The blood-.snufling vampires, drawn out of their 1 ur, 

With the gluttons of carnage are rioting there. 

The battle is over; but near by remain 
Some poor trembling captives, whose woes to advance 

Are guarded around a large stone on the plain ; 
The queen of the demons presides at the dance; 

At each round of the orgies a victim is slain. 

And the yells of the devils Hell's terrors enhance — 



2\S HARDING'S POEM. 

The blackest of all the black horrors of niijjht, 
Shut down the curtain, (.) (lod, from our si<^ht ! 

The morn after the slaui^hter the fiends passed around, 
Besmear'd and bespatter'd with blood and its stains; 

With miens at once satisfied, grave and profound. 
Whilst smoking from hatchets beclotted with brains. 

Employing themselves, as they sit on the groimd. 
In cleaning fresh scalps from the flesh that remains, 

And stretching them on little hoops to be dried. 

To hang to their belts with grim, horriljle pride. 

I quote from my father, 4 then ag'd fifteen years. 
At Fort Jenkins a captive, with many friends nrore; 

'Mongst the wails of the orphans, the widows' hot tears 
And the pranks of the Indians yet reeking with gore; 

One drew on a woman's cap over his ears. 

And placing her bonnet on wrong side before. 

He grunted, "big Indian !" and yell'd as he run — 

The rage of the demon had melted to fun. 

By a brave was my father led up to a stump, 

And black'd was his face with its charcoal at will; 

Then he took from his girdle of paint, a red lump. 
And mark'd out the warrior with fantastic skill. 

Regarding his boy a success and a trum]:>; 

Brought down the crowd with a shout and a thrill — 

All yelling and pointing with Ijarbaric glee, 

"He little Indian! little Indian he!" 

Another short episode here let me tell : 

As our army came up, one soldier it seems, 
Had imbibed quite too freely — stumbled and fell, 

And .slept by the roadside to fight in his dreams — 
His foes in the "dreamland" to fall on pell-mell — 

Not basking in glory's but .Sol's fervid beams. 
Rum's antics prevailing 'gainst all sorts of odds 
And craz'd fancy breaking a lance with the "gods," 

But a rush, and a shout, a rattle and din 

Brought the slumbering Richard 5 half-way to his sense; 
Without taking the whole situation quite in 

He sat on his haunches beside the log fence. 
And wondering much what the matter had been; 

When Zeb Butler 6 rode up, (Dick .scarce knew from whence,)! 
Said, "Dick, is your gun charged ?" the answer was "aye." 
"Then shoot that big Indian or Bennett 7 must die." 



AT THE MONUMKNT. 219 

Dick drew a bead, "took the master tjood sii^lu"' — 

(So he always said, when the story he told,) 
Down came the grim savaije, to kiss and to bite 

The ground, upon which he was suddenly rollM. 
Poor Benhett, exhausted almost, if not ijuitc, 

And bleeding at mouth, was unable to hold 
Much further the course; the life race was run 
The big Indian dead and Bennett had won. 

Just one hundred years since and this smiling plain 

Was sprinkled with blood, and, most painful to tell, 
Was strewn with the mangled remains of the slain. 

Whose bodies were left to decay where they fell- 
To fester, and moulder, the ravens' disdain — 

Their requiem "the war songs," the "death whoop" their knell: 
Beset with wild terrors their children and wives 
Were weeping and fleeing the land for their lives. 

A century has wash'd all the blood stains away, 

To-day all is peaceful, delightful and fan- - 
No signs of the conflict, no marks of the fray; 

Time has done well the sad wrecks to repair. 
But memory lingers, as surely she may. 

And Fancy sees omens and sights in the air - 
The voice of their anguish comes up from the ground. 
And their wandering manes seem floating around. 

Another Centennial and who will be here? 

Who will be president, speaker or bard ? 
The republic remain, or an emjoire appear ? 

Our force volunteer, or imperial guard ? 
But we'll hope for the best and rei)udiate fear, 

Make man's sacred rights our especial regard. 
And trust the oppress'd of all nations may find 
A resting-place here, the last hope of mankind. 

Eaton, Wyoming county, I'a., July 3, 187S. 

, Commander of the British and Indians. 2 Night encampment. 3 A ( .uiTiea 
negro named "Quocko," slave of Captain Martin. 4 Elisha Harding. sRich- 
ard Inman. 6Commander of the American forces. 70nc of the settlers. 



STRIKE THE LYRE. 

()(lc by Slcuben Jenkins, set to music liy Professor Coggswell, rendered 
by the Centennial ("horns (jf five hundred voices. 

CTRIKE the lyre in warning strain ! 
•^ Wske the hearts of daring men ! 
Bid them for tiieir country stand, 
(hiard then- homes and cherished land ! 
Tyrants trampling on their rights, 
Savage hordes whose presence blights, 
March, their homes to desolate; 
Hid them rise ere yet too late I 

Strike the lyre in martial strain ! 
Rouse to action, valiant men ! 
See I they meet in battle's shock, 
Meet as waves meet frowning rock I 
Crushed beneath o'erwhelming force, 
Carnage mai^ks their flight's fell course. 
Three to one the forces prove, 
Three opposed to one we love. 

Strike the lyre in mournful strain 1 
t.et it peal a sad refrain ! 
Let its notes a requiem prove. 
O'er the graves of those we love. 
Martyrs for our liberty — 
Dying that we might be free — 
Honored be the patriot dead I 
(Horious be their gory bed. 

Strike the lyre in joyful strain ! 

Strike, O strike it yet again ! 

Let its joyful tones resound, 

Let it echo all around ! 

Bid it tell of glorious deeds I 

Bid it tell how freedom speeds ! 

Tell what gallant men have done— ■ 

Tell how liberty was won ! 

Strike the lyre in dulcet strain ! 
Strike for all good-willing men I 
Fruitful blessings on each hand 
Flow throughout our happy land; 
Perfect love in full accord. 
Peace and j^lenty crown the board: 
.Ml from bondage now are free, 
All rejoice in liberty. 



THE CLOSINC; EXERCISES. 22 1 

BENICDICTK^N. 

This rendition concluded the exercises proper for the 
day. After which the following benedi6lion was feel- 
ingly pronounced by the venerable and Rev. E. Ross 
Snowden, of Kingston : 

Having rendered due h(jnor to our worthy Chairman, 
and his distinguished associates, it devolves on me to 
close these impressive exercises and commemorative 
services by our giving all the Glory to God, to whom it 
is due, and receive his blessing. 

Glory unto God rhe Father ; Glory unto God the Son • 
(jlory unto the Holy Ghost : One God, our God, our 
Father's God; our Country's (iod, and God over all — 
Blessed forever. 

May the people praise Thee, O God ! May all the 
people praise Thee ! 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ; the love of God, 
and the communion of the Holy (xhost be with you all. 
Amen ! and Amen !! 



Thus ended a day long to be remembered in the annals 
of Wyoming's History, as the closing event of the first 
and the beginning of the second century after that dis- 
asterous event that befel our forefathers on the Plains in 
front of Fort 'V\^intermutc. The first, opening amid sor- 
row and gloom ; the second, amidst auspices of hope, and 
bright promises for the future. May the end of the sec- 
ond, still find us as united, happy, and prosperous a people 
as to-day are preparing to celebrate our nations birth on 
the morrow. 



AN INTERESTING AFTER PIECE. 

At four o'clock his Exccllenc\', President Hayes, ac- 
companied by Sacretary Sherman, Attorney General 
Dev^ens and Col. Dorrance drove to the big tent at the 
Monument grounds after the exercises proper were over. 
A crowd of 4OD0 or 5000 persons yet remaining, they 
were very desirous of seeing and hearing the President. 
many of them having arrived after the speech of the 
morning. His Excellency was introduced by Col.. Dor- 
rance, when he said that he appeared there again in 
obedience to a request of many of his fellow citizens now 
before him. It was perfe6lly natural to expe6l the people 
to make such a request, and it was altogether proper for 
him to appear in obedience to such a rec[uest. He said 
lie had taken occasion to say at former calls of this kind 
that he did not presume that it was from personal merit 
in him, but that it was to honor the office, no matter who 
may happen to hold it for the time being. He knew that 
it was human to err and that perhaps he made as man\' 
mistakes as most other men would make under like cir- 
cumstances ; but he was certain that when he did make a 
j mistake he was apt to hear of it, and that the worst 
1 criticisms on his condu6t were sure to be cut from the 
\ newspapers and sometimes sent to his wife, and then he 
'was sure to iiear of it in a'decided mannei'. 

After a few more pleasant remarks he said that now 
having got himself out of ;i difficulty he would take 
pleasure in introducing the Hon. John Sherman, Secretar\- 
of the Treasury, who he feared inade e\en more mistakes 
than lie himself did. 

Mr. Sherman made som^: [)ertine:it allusions to the event 
that had induced this immense and happy gathering ot 
his fellow citizens, showing also that the experience of 



AT 'I-HE MONUMENT. ' 22 1 

the valley had been the experience of the peoole of every 
part of the country, where the Indians had been forced 
to retire before the inexorable logic of events. He then 
spoke of the wealth of the country; how the course of 
trade is causing a rapid and steady flow of our bonds 
from Europe to this country, and he hoped to see the day 
when they will all be owned by our own people in large 
and small amounts; and he wanted also to see the green- 
back currency equal in value to gold, and he woidd use 
his best endeavor to hasten that happy event. He con^ 
eluded by .saying that Attorney General Devens was here 
and as he was the orator of the cabinet he would gladlv 
give way for the General. 

General Devens said it was well known that Secretary 
Sherman was the best joker in the cabinet and this is 
one of his little jokes. The General spoke for a few 
minutes in a sensible and humorous way, and then said 
that the circumstances here reminded him of a little 
story— that of a Boston tallow chandler, who, alter he 
had grown rich at the business concluded to retire from 
trade, but in so doing, stipulated with his successor that 
m order to keep him in mind of his old calling, that* he 
might always attend the shop on melting days. And 
now, my friends. >ou see. said the General, the perspira^ 
tion dripping from his face. I am with vou here on a 
melting day, but I hope you will excuse me from enjox- 
mg this amusement any further. The Attorney General 
then closed his remarks, having made quite as good a 
joke as did the Secretary and perhaps better, for the 
General is really a fine talker. 

The meeting then gave three rousing cheers for the 
IVesident and Cabinet after which the partv were driven 
to the station and took seats in the special train await- 
ing them, and were soon landed at Kingston, from whence 
they were driven to the Wyoming Valley Hotel, in 
Wilkesbarre and shown to the handsome rooms set apart 
for the use of the President and family. 



INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS. 

The heat was so intense, and the crowd so utterly un- 
manageable that it was necessary to cut down the origi- 
nal program fully one- third, and it was with a feeling of 
relief that the adjournment of the morning session was 
heard. The tired thousands then sought food and shelter, 
the former on the grounds, the later in the cooling shade 
of the neighboring hillsides. 

The number of persons in attendance can hardly be 
estimated, but it is supposed it was at least fifty thousand. 
The accommodations for entertaining this vast concourse 
proved utterly inadequate, lunch and refreshment booths, 
restaurants, sandwich wagons, etc., failing to boar the 
strain upon them. 

A much needed provision for the sanitary well being 
of the people, was the hospital service appointed by di- 
reaion of Doftors HoUister and Hakes, of the Executive 
Committee, and who named Doftors Crawford, Murphy 
and" Davis as attending physicians — all of these gentle- 
men were on duty, together with other praflitioners who 
volunteered their services. A commodious wall tent was 
pitched under a clump of apple trees affording a grateful 
shade ; medical supplies, as well as a nurse also, being in 
attendance. An ambulance ran from point to point and 
by noon, nine persons had been brought in tor treatment. 
The cases were not serious, being simply prostration by 
the heat, with the exception of two ladies who were some- 
what injured by the crush in the Lexington tent. Their 
names were as follows:— F. W. Rice. Scranton City 
Guard ; Michael Gorden, Ashley ; Mrs. Finn, Pittston ; 
Mrs. Johnson, Dallas; Mrs. Ide Lehman; Alexander, 
Scranton; E. VV. Todd Scranton, and Josephine Thomp- 
son and Annie Heiss, of Newtown, the latter two were 
injured in the crush. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 225 

The mc^numcnt modestly entwined with huirel wreaths, 
and "guarded bv' a squad from Scranton Soldiery was the 
Mecca toward which visitors bent their steps throug'hout 
the entire da\'. 

The rush that followed lor the trains and ferries was a 
si^ht to be remembered. 

Besides the Presidential and ^gubernatorial parties pres- 
ent alread)^ noted, were the following officers of the Go\'er- 
nor's staff: — -Gen. Co.ve, Col. Scholl, Col. Compton, Col. 
Campion, Col. Jamison, Col. Knight and Col. Young, also 
Hon. Aaron A. Dunkel, of Phila ; C. R. Buckalew 
Rloomsburg ; Hiester Clymer, Reading ; Andrew H. Dill 
Lewisburg ; Wm. Bross, Chicago Tribune Co.; Col. Eu- 
gene B. Beaumont. U. S. A; Hon. H. A. T'onda. Milton ; J. 
L. Steinmetz, Lancaster; Daniel Krmentrout, Reading; 
Hon. Jos. Powell, Towanda; Judge Khvell, Bloomsburg ; 
Sheriff Layton, of ]-5radford count}-. 

Several ])rrties from as far up the river as Owego, N- 
Y. arrived during the da_v by boats. 

As far as could be learned the follcjwing newspapers 
wore represented. C. H. Hart, of the New York Herald ; 
]-:. A. Mott, of the New York Times; Thos. Cole- 
man, Philadelphia Ledger; J. H. Lambert, Philadel- 
phia Times; Chas. Crutchfield, Philadelphia Liquircr : J. 
H. Britestool. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle ; J. 1^'. 
McGinnis, Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin ; T. S. 
Welsh, Honesdale Herald ; J. A. Scranton, H. A. Doud 
and J. }i. Barrett, Scranton Republican; Wesley Johnson 
Scranton Daily Times ; Drayton Lewis, Philadeli)hia 
I'ress ; J. C. Powell, Shenandoah Herald ; W. B. Keller. 
Wilkesbarre Leader ; P'red C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune ; 
G. M. Richart, Pittston Gazette ; K. A. Parsons, Towanda 
Argus; Ben. H. Pratt, Wilkesbarre Record ; Hon. C. B. 
Brockwav, Columbian, Bloomsburg ; W. B. Gallagher 
Philadelphia Sunday Mercury ; Mrs. M. L. Burns, Palmira 
Advertiser ; J. S. Sanders, Hazleton Sentinel, besides 
many others wdiose names could not be learned. 



226 INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS. 

The following named aged persons, descendants of early 
settlers, were in attendance at the commemoration : — 
Steuben Butler, son of Col. Zebulon Butler, aged 90 years ; 
James Slocum of Brownsville, a nephew of Frances Slocum, 
the "Lost sister of Wyoming ;" John Breese, Horseheads, 
New York, aged 88 years ; Archibald Jenkins. Elmira N. 
Y.. 86 ; John Elliot Wyalusing, Pa. 75 ; Jesse Harding, 
Elton, Pa. J^ ; John Fassett, Mahoopany, Pa. 83 ; James 
A. Gordon, Plymouth, Pa. 82 ; Uriah Swetland, Eaton, Pa. 
'/'^ ; Alvan Dana, Missouri, 84 ; Elisha Blackman, Pitts- 
ton, Pa. 88; John Clarke, Plains, Pa. 88; Mrs. Mary Jenk- 
ins, West Pittston Pa. 88 ; Mrs. Laura Carey Downing, 
West Pittston, Pa. 81 ; Sarah Denison Abbott, daughter 
of Col. Nathan Denison, aged 84 years ; Mrs Mary John- 
s vii ]'\:)ster, Jackson Township, Pa. 81 ; Henry Roberts, 
Falls, Pa. 86 ; John Breese. W\-oming, 83 ; D. Gordon 
Dorrance. 68 ; John Gore, of Kingston Pa. 83 ; Mrs. Price 
(Miss. Cooper). Of other aged persons there were Hon. 
Asa Packer of Mauch Chunk. Pa. 74 ; John Raymond Esq. 
Scranton, 86; Dr Avery, of Chatauqua. N. Y. 75 ; John 
P. Rice, Trucksville Pa. 74 ; Abram Hunneywell, Wyoming 
86; Peter Pugh, Forty Fort, 85. 

In a temporary wooden building a short distance to the 
eastward from the monument, and which was honored by 
a tall flag staff from which the stars and stripes hung 
limp in the sultr\- air-, was displayed the combined col- 
lection of Indian relics of Dr. Hollister and Steuben 
Jenkins, said to be the most extensive of any colleftion 
of a similar characfler in the country. These were ar- 
ranged in two separate exhibits, one belonging to each 
of the gentlemen named. The\' were convenientl)^ and 
tastefully arranged on shelves and tables over thirty 
feet in length, occupying both sides and the centre of 
the exhibition building. These relics were nearl\' all 
found in this locality and to the eye of the archa,'ologist 
or student of the unwritten history of the aborigines of 
tile countr\- must possess unusual attractions; and when 



AT THE MONUMENT. 22/ 

taken collective!}' give an approximate illustration of 
the habits, manners and religion of the Indians in their 
primitive condition before the advent of the white man 
in America. Almost every weapon of war and implement 
of peace used by the Redmen, could be found in this 
combined colle6lion. 

In the same museum of the past were several articles 
of furniture that were rescued from Fort)' Fort, and 
among others the identical little walnut w ood table upon 
which the articles of capitulation were signed. 

No spirituous liquors w'ere permitted to be sold on tlie 
ground, and though stands for the sale of that mild 
German beverage, lager beer, were numerous, there was 
an entire absence of drunkenness and its consequently 
disorderly cffe6ls any uhere, to be deplored. 

About 500 musicians and singers sat down to a bounti- 
ful repast provided by the Association in a tent near the 
monument. For the comfort of the assembled thous- 
ands, water pipes had been laid in various parts of the 
grounds, and Indrants were placed at central points, 
where casks of ice water were to be found, which proved 
a great blessing to the panting and perspiring multitude. 

Sprinkling wagons had been at work all the night oi 
the 2d and the sandy roads in the vicinity of the grounds, 
were rendered comparatively free from the annoyance of 
dust which otherwise would have been the case. 

No serious accident to life or limb occured in or about 
the grounds, or in the coming and going of the crov\ds 
of visitors. 

Govenor Hartranft's staff consisting of Col Young 
Campion, Scholl, Knight, Compton and Jamison with Gen. 
Coxe, Chief of Staff were present in their gorgeous uni- 
forms, and were duly photographed in all the pride pomp 
and circumstance of feathers and chapeaux as they sat 
in front of the tent assigned as their quarters in the 
Pettebone lawn. A group consisting of the President as 
the central figure, with Elisha Blackman on the right and 



228" iN'CT DENTS OF THK t>AV'. 

Genl. K. W. Sturdevant on the left, and Mr Pettebone a 
little to the left and in the rear of the General, and in the 
same line towards the ri^^ht, appear G. M. Harding, Dr. 
H. Hakes, Sylvester Dana, Col. H. B. Wright and one of 
the "Noble Red Men" of the Onondagas; Henry W. Pal- 
mer peeps over the shoulders of the second row. 

The program of decoration'^ as previously submitted 
.by the chairman of the committee on decorations was 
fully and artistically executed. The monument stood in 
its mute eloquence gracefully draped with a spiral wreath 
of emblematic laurel and oak from apex to pedestal, 
and with a laurel Wreath encircling the marble tablet on 
which is inscribed the names of the martyrs of that 
disastrous 3d of Jul)'. 

Over the gateway leading to the monument enclosure, 
Was a triple archway surmounted with the words : 

"E'en from the grave the voice of Freedom cries." 

"P2'en in their ashes live the Saci'ed fires." 

On a piece of canvass suspended from an arch span- 
hing the 100 feet wide road in front of the monument, was 
the inscription : 

"W)'oming honors her patriot dead." 

Over another arch was a portrait of Washington, and 
pcMident the quotation from Chief Justice Marshall, 
slightly altered : 

"First in War, first in peace and first in the hearts of 
all— 1776." 

On the opposite side was a portrait of the founder of 
our own Commonw'ealth, and the inscription : 

"Peace on earth, good will toward men — 1878." 

Over the gateway leading to the memorial grounds 
was an ornamental archway bearing the inscription : 

"Our Fathers died that Libert)' might live." 

All the residences on the road leading from the Rail 
Road Station, and in facl, all, anywhere within miles of 
the monument, were lavishly, if not tastefully decorated 
with flags and mottoes suitable for the occasion. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 229 

AN APOLOGY. 

At one o'clock the proceedings were intermitted for 
an hour to enable the assembled multitude to partake 
of needful refreshments. At the opening of the afternoon 
services the following fervent Prayer was ably pronounced 
by Rev. flenry H. Welles of Kingston, a grandson of 
Matthias Hollenback, who was present and took part in 
the battle, being an Ensign in one of the most hotly en- 
gaged companies. This by accident, being omitted at 
its proper place in the order of exercises, is here inserted; 
its omission being one of those unpleasant "incidents" 
that some times befal novices in book making : 

We adore Thee, all glorious Jehovah, Father, Son and 
Holy Spirit, as the Creator of all things, and the giver of 
every good gift. We thank Thee for granting a success- 
ful issue to the struggle our fathers made to secure civil 
and religious liberty for themselves and their posterit\- ; 
we thank Thee for the unexampled growth of this nation 
in wealth and power; we thank Thee for our National 
Constitution and for star after star added to the galaxy 
on our flag; we thank Thee for the preservation of our Fed- 
eral Union and the destruction of slavery; we thank Thee 
for just and equitable laws, the administration of which 
affords security to property and life ; we thank Thee for 
our common schools and higher seminaries of learning ; 
we thank Thee for the printing-press and its multiplied 
issues for the instru6lion of our people ; we thank Thee 
for the wonderful and increasing facilities for the trans- 
mission of thought of persons and the results of labor ; 
we thank Thee above all for thy Holy Word, the entrance 
' of which giveth light ; we recognize it as the corner stone 
of our liberties ; we thank Thee for our church.es and 
Sabbath schools, which are engaged in spreading the Gos- 
pel light over this land and over the world. 

We pray for the continuance and growth of the insti- 
tutions, founded bvour christian fathers. Grant wisdom to 



2^6 /NCIt)KNTS OF THE DAY. 

those who make and execute our laws ; deliver us from 
political and social corruption ; give increased favor to a 
just, humane' and peaceful policy toward the remnants of 
our Indian tribes ; stimulate all efforts to prepare our 
freedmen, as well as all foreign immigrants, for an en- 
lightened christian citizensliip ; make our schools of all 
grades, disseminators of intellectual, moral and spiritual 
light ; let not the public press become a corrupter of 
morals and a propagator of infidelity ; deliver us from 
the machinations of the Commune and all other conspira- 
tors against the peace of society and the safety of the 
State ; and, above all, pour out abundantly of Thy holy 
spirit upon all who 4iold the truth as it is in Jesus, that 
they may, with unflagging zeal, use all Scriptural means 
to evangelize the people of this land and of the whole 
world. Let not this nation, like those of antiquity, 
burthened with accumulated sins, have its decline and 
fall. May ours become growingly a christian people, 
sending forth to those who sit in darkness and the shadow 
of death, the glorious news of salvation by a cruciled 
Redeemer. Hasten the time, so long the subjecl of proph- 
esy and prayer, when the kingdoms of this world shall 
become the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



CELEBRATION, 

AT AVILKESBARRE, 




July 4. sS/.S. 



S JOY followc mourning, so the second day's 
services in Wilkesbarre partook more of an 
^ ^^ ^old fashioned 4th of lulv celebration, than the 
\ wS- ' o^''^ ^^"''^^ preceded it at Wyoming on the 3d. 
f^' ^ The city was full to overflowing with strangers 
^ • ^ on the night of the third, and the gay bunting 
that so conspicuously floated to the breeze in all the 
principal streets, was relieved by the dark green festoon- 
ing that was so important a feature in the decorations, 
the whole scene being lighted up by thousands of gas 
jets in the various windows ; and the four calcium lights 
placed at the four sides of the Court House tower, rend- 
ered North and South Main street and the East and 
West portions of Market street as light almost as at noon- 
day. At intervals the principal druggists would display 
red and green lights in front of their stores giving a 
weird and unearthly glow to all surrounding obje6ls. 
Little sleeping was done by the majority of the visitors, 
who had come for a few days of pleasure, and they were 
determined to make the most of their privileges. At 
sunrise, the battery of the Wyoming Artillerists under 
Capt. Thos. C. Parker, thundered forth their one hundred 
rounds as a morning salute, and all the bells in the city 
simultaneously sent forth their merriest peals to greet 
the natal morn of our nation. 



23-' cp:lebration. 

Soon the people began to gather and each train on 
the several railroads brought in its cars over freighted 
with expe6lant humani y, who long before the hour of 
inid-day filled the streets to overflowing, and it would be 
safe to estimate the throng at, certainly not less than a 
hundred thousand souls, and it may have been even 
greater than that. At about eleven o'clock a gun from 
the Battery broke upon the still air, and the assembled 
pageant, consisting of seven divisions, began to move 
down River street in the following order : 

h^irst, the Wilkesbarre city police mounted on fine 
horses and headed by chief John W. Gilchrist ; next 
Rieg's Band playing a patriotic air ; after the music, 
chief Marshal Woodward and aids, fift)' in number. Next, 
Ma\. Gen. Edward S. Osborne and staff followed by the 
I^'irst Regiment Veteran corps of Philadelphia's Band in 
brilliant scarlet coats and white pantaloons, J. S. G. Beck- 
band master. 

Next came the Scranton Battalion, Col. Boies, two 
hundred and fifty strong, with a beautiful Gatling gun 
drawn by a pair of splendid gray horses, George Sander- 
son of Scranton, commander of gun squad. The Ph'm- 
outli Cornet band, led by Editor Barthe of that Borough 
came next ; close following marched the McCleilan Rifles 
of Pittston, commanded by Capt. Ginley, accompanied 
bv the Port Griffith band ; and then the Wyoming Artil- 
lerists, Capt. Parker with their Battery of four eft'ective 
six pound brass guns. This organization carried the old 
flag that they had when marching on to the "Hall's of 
the Montezumas" in 1846-7 ; now a mere tatter, but enough 
of it left to show its deep blue grountl and the arms of 
our beloved Commonwealth emblazoned thereon. 

TIIK SIX'CiNl) AND TIIIKD DIVISIONS, 

Were united and consisted of the veteran corj^s and 
members of the Grand A.rmy of the Republic, with Major 
Charles M. Convngham and Col. Harrv Laycock as mar- 



AT WILRESBARRE. 233 

slials. with mounted aids, and headed 1j}' the New Mil- 
ford Cornet band. In this division marched the survi- 
vors of the Andersonville Prison, a melancholy array of 
brax'c men who had suffered perhaps the inevitable harci- 
ships of war as Federal Prisoners during the late inter- 
state strife. Here came Capt. P. l)e Lacey at the head 
of the Veteran Soldiers Association of Luzerne ; these 
were followed by a drum corps. A pleasant feature of 
the parade comini^ in here was the Grand Army Cadets, 
of few companies of boys enlisted and trained by Capt. 
Charles Brodhun. 

TIIK FOLKTH DI VI SI OX. 

Composed of the various Fire Compan\' organizations 
of Wilkesbarre and other places represented, was headed 
by Bristol's Band, and with Charles Law of Pittston, and 
Thaddeus S. Hillard of Wilkesbarre as marshals. The 
companies in line were the P^ranklin of H\-de Park, Liberty 
Hose Jr. of Providence, Rescue Hose, with Brother Jona- 
than as footman ; the horses attached to the carriage were 
led b\^ tastefully arra\ed colored grooms, dressed in Orien- 
tal costume. At the head of the Eagle Hose from Pitts- 
ton marched the Thistle Band, and Leonard's Opera Band 
leading the Niagara Hose, whose Engine was drawn by 
four beautiful white horses with trappings of l:)lue. The 
Tunkhannock Band and Triton Hose company made a good 
display. Next came a company from Montrose, after 
wliich the Kingston Mechanics Band and Hose No. 1 of 
Kingston. \V) oming Hose No. 3 from the F^mpire mine 
and Columbia Hose of Carbondale followed, and then 
the Young Men's Silver Cornet Band of Pittston. These 
were all visiting companies. Of Wilkesbarre companies, 
were the Lanning Steamer No. 2 ; Mechanic Steamer 
Company No. i ; Hose No. 3, Eagle Hook and Ladder 
No. 5 and Hose Companies Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9 — -Phinney 
No. 4 Engine Company of Green Ridge closed the Fire 
Division. 



2^4 CELEBRATION'. 

THE EIFTII DIVISION. 

With Capt. James P. Dennis and Dr. Olin F. Harvey as 
Marshals, was composed of Civic and Benevolent Socie- 
ties. Followini^- ten mounted aids, was Dieu Le Veut com- 
. mandary, Knit^hts Templar of Wilkesbarre, and Cour de 
Leon commandary of Scranton in their gay uniforms, 
with Knightly badges and small arms, presentijig a pic- 
turesque and martial appearance. Here followed a col- 
ored Band at the head of a small colored delegation. 

THE SIXTH DIVISION. 

Was made up of a series ot historical tableau>;. and 
was the feature of the procession. The marshals were 
George H. Parrish and James P. Dickson. This depart- 
ment consisted of ten subdivisions portraying in an strik- 
ing manner the past, present and future of Wyoming. 
First came a delegation of Onondaga Indians, genuine 
sons of the forest, marching in the traditional Indian file: 
Ne.xt came a representation of the Count Zinzendorf in 
his tent, with a rattle snake crawling over his feet, two 
would be Indian murderers looking in at the opening, 
and who appear to be awe stricken at the spe6laclc— Here 
followed Mr. Hazlctine's representation of the battle of 
Wyoming appropriately modeled in clay. 

This was followed by a company of young men in the 
costume of revolutionary times. The Frigate Hornet 
mounted on trucks and drawn by four horses was man- 
ned by American Jack tars, and bearing several Quaker 
guns, with the traditional "Long Tom" as a bow chaser. 
The vessel was full\- rigged and attracted a good deal of 
attention. 

Shawney a hundred years ago. was represented by a 
domestic scene of the period, on wheels drawn by a span 
of horses and yoke of oxen harnessed to a heavy wagon. 
Another wagon showed "How we made cloth ninety 
vears ago" in which a number of comelv maid's anci mat- 



AT WTLKKSBARRK. 235 

rons were engaged in spinning and weaving flax and 
wool into eloth for domestic wear. This represented tiie 
peace period. 

One wagon represented a quaint kitchen scene, (they 
did'nt have drawing rooms in those days,) in which a 
number of people in the happiest of moods, caused a 
good deal of merriment to the lookers on, as they observ- 
ed the fiddler close to the hearth furnishing most ex- 
cruciating music for a number of young persons who 
were dancing away as if for dear life. 

The "Threshing floor" came in for its share of admira- 
tion where two stalwart young fellows were pounding 
away in dead earnest, with real old fashioned flails on a 
quantity of straw spread on the wide threshing floor on 
wheels. 

Following this was another wagon with a happy farmer 
and his son breaking and "scutching" flax on a scutching 
board and hackling it on a sharp toothed hackle. Next 
came an old grandmother drawing out the threads on an 
old fashioned "Little Spinning wheel"' propelled b)- foot 
power, while the young belle of the neighborhood was 
fashioning stockings with busy needles. And then came 
a sight never seen before — a real "Apple Cut" on wheels, 
in which the countr\- lads and lasses were having a jolly 
time of it, having disposed of all the "quarters' by hang- 
ing them up to dry on strings around the old fire place in 
which a wood fire was burning.- 

An old freight line over the mountains to Philadelphia 
was represented by the remains of an old Canestoga 
wagon, and the staging business over the same route b\' 
an old Stage Coach that had been used by Mr. Searle of 
Montrose, more than fifty years ago. 

The Mexican war was illustrated b}- a detachment of 
veterans who had served in the war. known as compan\- 
K, consisting of Capt. E. L. Dana, Lieuts. Robt. Klotz and 
Henry Coppee; Sergeants Thomas R. Crellin, John W, 
Pryor; Corporals D. C. Kitchen, Joseph Heilman; Privates 



236 CELERRATTON. 

luhvard Remel, Edward R. Blaine, E. N. Ranks and 
William VVilhelm. These were the titles borne b\' the 
t^^entlemen named while in the service in Mexico. With 
tlic part)' was a g'enuinc Mexican, K. L. Granedos, dres- 
sed in Complete Caballero costume and armature, Lance, 
Lasso and all. A Mexican flai^, captured at the Garita 
dc Belen was carried in this procession. 

The first attempt of Jesse Eell to burn anthracite coal 
I'n an open grate, made in this valley '"ebruary i ith 1808, 
was admirably represented in the parade. 

The Brooklyn Band of Susquehanna County, had the 
honor to lead a tableau representing the future of Wyo- 
ming, and as our future is undoubtedly shrouded in mys- 
tery, so was this emblematic representation, being about 
as unintelligible as are some of the tea leaf fortunes 
that old ladies forecast with so much accurac}' in their 
cups. 

A team of sixty mules ridden by driver bows, and 
hauling a mme engine in full motion, belonging to the 
Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, mounted on 
heavy trucks, and attached to two loaded coal cars, wa.s 
supposed to typif\- the new order of things to follow the 
labor of mule power in the mines; a disconsolate looking 
mule thirty years of age, that had worked in the mines 
at this work twenty-six years was the precursor of t'is 
new motive power which was labeled "Old Tom's Suc- 
cessor. 

Then followed a mniiature coal i)reaker in full opera- 
tion, which terminated the liistorical parade. 

Till': SKVEiXril DIVISION. 

This illustrated the business interests of the vallev 
with Col. W. X. Monies and Joseph W. Patten as marsh- 
als with mounted aids. 

The display of the Dickson Manufacturing Company 
was mounted on three heavy wagons. The first drawn 
by four horses showed a large pile of patterns for ma- 
chinery castings. Next a wagon showing the compauN^'s 



AT WILKESRARRK. 23/ 

foundr}' at work, and the other wagon showed boiler 
makers at work closing rivets up and banging away on 
the hollow iron cylinders. 

Wire rope making was illustrated by the Hazard wire 
rope compan}', borne on heav\' wagons, showing a pyra- 
mid of wire rupe of all sizes and patterns as used in and 
about the hoisting machinery of the mines and elsewhere 
from the heaviest cable tapering up to small ropes pile J 
up in coils. 

Almost every business man in the city of an\' prom- 
inence exhibited a wagon loaded with the goods of his 
line in tasteful and profuse disphu's. 

Mr. Robert Baur had a printing press and book bindery 
hard at work. The Leader also had a press throwing off 
slips as the procession passed along. 

Isaac i\I. Thomas had Wright's (now Miner's) mill pict- 
ured as it appeared in 1795. 

One car represented Ceres, the fruitfid, in which were 
a number of little girls mounted on elevated spangled 
seats, and bearing in their hands sheaves of wheat, this 
was a pleasant feature in the parade. 

The last of the tableau.^ was a dairy with churns in 
operation and oleomargarine at a discount. 

It required over an hour for the procession to pass any 
given point, and after traversing the route as laid down 
in the program, it was conducted to the Wyoming Valley 
Hotel on River Street, where on a stand erefted on the 
opposite side of the way next the river, the grand pro- 
cession passed in re\iew before the President, Attorney 
(general Devans, Secretary Sherman and Governor Hart- 
ranft and Staff; the various Seftions cheering as they 
passed the Presidential position. The President, with hat 
in hand, bowed his acknowledgments, and expressed 
gratification at many features of the parade. 

'Idle crowd now was so great that it was with difficulty 
that the President and other high dignitaries could re- 
turn to the Hotel, where in response to repeated calls for 



238 CELEBRATION. 

"the President" from the excited, but good humored 
crowd, His Excellency ascended to the balcon}' and 
spoke about as follows : 

"My friends, if it were at all possible for my voice to 
reach any considerable portion of this grand gathering. 
I would gladly gratify your desire to hear me speak. 1 
desire to express my gratitude to this vast assemblage of 
the inhabitants of Wyoming, for the splendid reception 
we have received." 

I understand it however to mean not a personal com- 
pliment to any one individual, but that \ou, b}- }'our 
a6lions honor the Nation and the flag of liberty; in your 
re-;pe6l for the President, forgetting all distinclions and 
parties, and if need be, to stand up for our flag as }-our 
fathers did one hundred years ago. 

Yours is not an obscure portion of the great National 
Commonwealth. Its stor\' is known throughout the 
length and breadth of this broad land; yes, wherever the 
English language is spoken, and from my earliest boy- 
hood I have had a desire to look upon a valley so renown- 
ed in song and story, and so rich in the material elements 
that go to strengthen the nation both in peace and in 
war. I am not surprised that you are proud of this noble 
inheritance, purchased b\- the blood and suffering of your 
ancestors, I am glad that I am here to unite with you in 
showing honor to the memor}' of the 'brave men of one 
hundred years ago. and to rejoice with }'ou, on this, the 
da_\- of the Nation, whose destinies, I for a brief space 
am called upon to administer." 

This was followed by prolonged cheering, after which 
Governor Hartranft, in response to loud calls for the Gov- 
ernor, stepped to the front, and briefly thanked the mul- 
titude most heartil}' for the reception which had been ex- 
tended to our guests, the President and a portion of his 
Cabinet on this auspicious occasion, in this beautiful and 
far famed Wyoming. 

He also in behalf of the Commonwealth whom he, as 



AT WILKESBARUE. 239 

chief executive had the honor to represent, took pleasure 
in announcing that the strife that once existed between 
the early settlers of the Valley and the Proprietary gov- 
erment of William Penn, is now happily allayed forever, 
and that the descendants of the Yankee and the German 
elements are now blended in a homogeneity of fraternal 
love, mutual fellowship, and kind regards. 



O D E. 

Ivellei's American Hymn. Words by Caleb E. Wright, Esq., of Doyles- 
I own. Pa. 

Sun of the East ! in tire century old, 

Here stood our fathers to greet thee at morn ; 

Yon mountain peak gleamed in crimson and gold, 

. Morning dews drinking from meadow and corn. 

Waking the bird -hymn in bramble and thorn. 

Drums beat to arms! and war's colors unfold! 

Swell the stout hearts to the trumpet and horn !^ 

Foemen are nearing to circle the fold. 

Sun of the noon-day ! how lurid thy beams ; 

Blood-tides are tinting among the green pines! 
Sabres 'mid summer leaves mingle their gleams, 

Dun clouds hang over the wavering lines — 

Death plies his sickle along the red lines ! 
Mohawk and Tory commingle their screams — 

Flag of St. George round the tomahawk twines!— 
Victims of slaughter are yielding life's streams. 

Sun of the West ! turn to look o'er the plain—- 

Mothers and maidens are flying in dread ! 
Gory the field of our patriot slain, 

Horrid the revel o'er patriots dead — 

Palsied the hand that dishonors the dead ; 
Torture exulting in ruin's wild reign, 

Faggot and torch on their banquet are fed I— 
Sun of the West ! turn to weep o'er (he plain. 



240 CELEBRATIoVl. 

IN THE NAME OE CHARITY. 

A free dinner to the worthy, and perhaps some un- 
worthy poor, who attended the celebration of the Cen- 
tennial was served in a building erefted for the purpose 
on the old graveyard lot near the corner of Market and 
Washington streets. An efficient corps of waiters was 
on hand, composed of some of the best citizens of Wilkes- 
barre, who volunteered for the occasion, and thanks 
to the liberality of the people, there was an abundance 
of substantial tbod, and none went away hungry who 
sought to be fed. About a half an hour after the pro- 
cession had disbanded the doors were thrown open and 
the hungry were invited to enter; but for the purpose of 
preserving order, and that no imposition might be prac- 
ticed by the undeserving, none were admitted to seats at 
the table unless provided with tickets which were dis- 
tributed gratuitously to such by a committee in charge, 
consisting of Francis M. Nichols, Thomas R. Martin, 
George R. Wright, Albert S. Orr, George A. Wells and 
Daniel L. O'Neill, Esqs., and Reverends Father O'Harran 
of St. Mary's, Theophilus Jones and J. D. Griebel. The 
hearts of many hundreds of all sort.-^ and conditions of 
the children of the lowly were thus made glad on this 
joyous occasion, who but for this thoughtfulness on the 
part of some of our \'oung men in providing for their 
wants, otherwise might have been compelled to go hun- 
gry amid all the festive display provided for more favored 
visitors, but which unfortiinatelx' for these, their means 
might not have permitted them to e.ijoy. 



AT WILRESBARRl-;. 24t 

AFTERNOON EXERCISES. 

Shortlx- after 4 o'clock the I'residential party was con- 
veyed to the lower end of the Common, where an im- 
mense crowd had gathered in anticipation of further sv^ht 
see\n<y. Col. Dorrancc intro luced General Henry M. 
Hoyt, who at once assumed the duties of presiding offi- 
cer.'an I th inked the people in the name of the various 
Committees of the Association for the good order main- 
tained as well as for their devoted patriotism. 

As an opening of the ceremonies to be observed at 
this point, the Rev. Denis O'Hirran, Priest of St. Marys 
Parish, of the Catholic church, Wilkesbarre. offered the 
following eloquent peroration and able prayer : 

Yesterday we assembled to Lommemorate an event, 
of one hundred years ago; an event, in which the manly 
and heroic bravery of the pioneers in this valley shed a 
halo of undying lustre, not only upon the names and 
memory of the noble aclors therein, and this fair valley 
now smiling before us in the bright verdure of early sum- 
mer, but also over the whole country and the civilized 
world wherever the Phiglish language is spoken, and the 
story of the wrongs perpetrated by the Briton and his 
savage allies became known. Therefore it well becomes 
the descendants of these brave men and martyrs in de- 
fence of homes and all which men hold dear, and of us. 
who are but. successors in the land which they suffered 
so much to defend, to meet together at the beginning of 
this, the second century after that fatal da\'. and do 
honorto, and cherish their memories in this public and 
demonstrative manner. Such devotion to country and 
home should ever be held dear by all true patriots 
throughout all lands, and cherished and respeded at 
home and abroad. And they will be loved and cherished 
by millions yet unborn, because their names will continue, 
grandly, and unerringly to travel down the golden stream 
of history and tradition, growing brighter and more 
bricjht as they descend into the dim future, till at last 



242 CEi.EBRATtON. 

tliey will be emblazoned and fixed on the high firmament 
of American fame. We to-day commemorate their 
glorious deeds in defending the National honor, their 
homes, their wives and little children. This was a duty 
enjoined by God upon man, for do we not read that great 
was the honor conferred upon David for fighting the bat- 
tles of the Lord ? God has given unto all men the 
.inalienable right to defend their lives, their honors and 
their country. Who is there then that would not unite 
in commemorating such deeds of valor, irrespective of 
color, country or creed .'' 

What a happy coincidence. Yesterday's commemora- 
tion, the e\e of this glorious festive, and ever welcome 
anniversar}' of the 4th of Jvdy, when we all meet and 
rejoice with one patriotic pulsation of heart in celebrating 
the new Magna Charta of American liberty, the declara- 
tion of Independence; not e.xtorted from a terrified mon- 
arch by the great Barons of the land, as was the first, 
wrung from King John at Runnymede; but our charter 
was the spontaneous a6l of the entire people of the 
colonies who had determined no longer to remain slaves' 
to Great Britain, by asserting their liberties and success- 
fully maintaining them, even at the cannon's mouth. 

To conclude this happy occasion we have met here 
this afternoon. This will long be remembered as a red 
letter day in -the history of W\oming. as not only the 
sons of the pioneers are gathered together, and the 
dwellers in the land whose coming hither was of more 
recent date; but we have with us here the President of 
the United States, the head of this great and prosperous 
Nation, to do honor to the occasion. We have also the 
Secretary of the Treasury, thus uniting the purse and 
the sw'ord of this mighty people : we have the Attorney 
General of the United States to advise us as to the law 
of the land; and we have the Governor of our own be- 
loved commonwealth reminding us that the strife that 
once divided the Yankee element of the valiev on the 



AT WILKESBARRE. 243 

one hand, and the Quaker element, representhig Propri- 
etary government of the Penns on the other, and in 
whose fatal contests for the right of jurisdi-ftion these 
fair fields were often dyed red with fraternal blood. I 
say we have him here, as the head of the now united 
factions to remind us that this strife has long since been 
happily ended forever, and in a manner in which neither 
can claim to have triumphed over his adversary. This 
was the result of the wise and humane compromising 
measures adopted by the commonwealth at a later day. 
Let us therefore unite in the name of one true, living 
and Eternal God, in the faith, love and knowledge which 
should possess and pervade the heart and soul of any 
child of Adam, in the beginning and end of all his works, 
both temporal and spiritual. Having thus passed over 
the sometimes rough passage of the last 386 years, to 
this eternal principle whose protecting hand and sleep- 
less eye guided and watched over the hardy mariner, 
the persevering genius, Christopher Columbus, we bow 
in adoration to God, and in imitation of the successful 
discoverer, who, having no sooner safel\- landed upon our 
shores, than he and his little crew of tempest tossed 
explorers, under the refreshing shade of a spreading 
palm of the tropics, raised the symbol of redemption, 
the sign of salvation to man, the Cross of Christ, and 
offered Christian sacrifice to the true and External God ; 
let us even tlo likewise on this auspicious occasion. We 
assemble here to-day in the name of the same God, the 
God of our fathers, the true and eternal God over 
Heaven and Karth, and bow in humble submission to his 
Divine Majesty, will and law. We unite in harmon}* 
peace and charity around a common centre of eternal 
justice; around the Chief Magistrate of the Nation, the 
President of the United States, the common father of 
us all as citizens; to return our sincere and grateful 
thanks to Almighty God for all the favors and blessings 
which he has in his infinite merc\' bestowed upon this 



244 



CEI.EUKATION. 



country and people in the past, at the same time to beg" 
his I3ivine proteftion to continue to rest upon us. 

O Sovereign Lord, to whom all the Kingdoms oi" the 
earth are subje6l, and under whose proteftion they are 
safe, we invoke for this naiion Thy Divine protection. 
We invoke and pray Thee O God of infinite power, 
through whom authority is lightly administered, laws 
enacted and judgments decreed, ;o assist with Thy Holy 
Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the 
United States, that his administration may be conducted 
and maintained in righteousness and be eminent!}- useful 
to Thy people, over whom he presides, b\- encouraging 
due respeft for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution 
of the laws in justice and mercy; and by the restraining 
of vice and immorality. 

Wilt Thou, O Lord, of Thy Divine Wisdom, direct the 
deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the 
proceedings and laws framed for the rule and government 
of this people, so that they tend to the preservation of 
peace and the promotion of impartial national happiness; 
the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge: 
and may perpetuate to us the blessings of liberty. We 
also pray for His Excellency, the Governor of the State 
of Pennsylvania; for the members of Assembly; for all 
Judges, Magistrates and other officers m authority, who 
are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they 
may be enabled by thy powerful prote6tion to discharge 
all the duties of their respective stations, with honesty 
and ability. We recommend to th>' unbounded care and 
nierc}- all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout 
the United States, that we may be all blessed in the 
knowledge, and san6tified in the observance of thy most 
holy law; that we may be preser\ed in that union and 
peace which the world cannot give. And after enjoying 
His blessings in this lilc, may be admitted to enjoy those 
blessings which are eternal in the life to come. 



AT WII.KEbBARRK. 245 

Praise the Lord, ye children, praise the name of the 
Lord. 

IMessed be the name of the Lord henceforth and for- 
ever; from the rising- of the sun to the going down of 
the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise. 

Praise the Lord all ye nations; praise him all ye peo- 
ple, for his mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of 
the Lord remaineth forever. Amen ! 

After which President Hayes w^as introduced to the 
audience amid loud cheering by the multitude in attend- 
ance. The President, after apologizing for not having a 
prepared speech, spoke for a short time in an otThand 
manner, and drew a favorable contrast between the peri- 
ods 1778 and 1878 in the valley, remarking tiiat the pro- 
cession of the morning had anticipated this, in a manner 
that appealed more strongly to the senses than any words 
at his command could possibh' do. He said this celebra- 
tion, commemorative of the virtues of the pioneers of a 
century ago, and anticipatory of the pioneers in the west 
and the south west, whose experiences are even now 
being woven into the woof of future history, are identical. 
He then referred to the Indian problem, and in substance 
his speech was mainly a repetition of what he had said 
at Wyoming on the 3rd. Governor John F. Hartranft was 
then introduced and spoke for a few minutes, occupying 
about the same ground as the President. 

Ex- U. S. Senator Charles R. Buckalew, was introduced 
and spoke for a short time on the ever recurring theme 
"Wyoming", its original meaning in the language of our 
Indian predecessors. He said it is asserted on what ap- 
pears to be authority, that the word Wyoming, as pro- 
nounced by the Indians, signified "Big Plain," and Sus- 
quehanna, our beautiful river, "The river of the winding 
shore," a name at least peculiarly applicable to the Sus- 
quehanna. 



246 CELEI5RATI0N. 

Henry W. Palmer read the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, as no Fourth of July celebration would be complete 
without that service. 

Secretary John Sherman pronounced a hi'^h eulo^ium 
on this immortal document, which he held to be in im- 
portance second to the Holy Scriptjres only. It wis tho 
birtii and dawning of liberty all over the world. It re- 
generated France through that terrible revolution, which 
perhaps was necessary, as desperate cases need desperate 
treatment, and under the almost insane and demoniacal 
measures of Danton, Murat an 1 Rob;spe rre in th-jir new- 
born zeal for "Liberty", despotism in Fran:e went down 
with the XVI Louis, never it is ho[:>ed to rise again in 
our Sister Republic. Mr. Sherinan then spoke on the 
present state of our country and its finances and the 
efforts being put forth in the Treasury' Bureau to make 
every promise to pay of these Lhiited States as good as 
gold coin of equal face value. In conclusion he said we 
are not a nation of paupers, but the richest nation in the 
world; winding up his remarks with a \c\v complimentar\' 
notices of our Valley, and saying that he wouKl return 
to his work, refreshed and encouraged. 

Attorney General Dcvens was the next speaker, antl in 
a few brief remarks pointed out the close community of 
interests existing between the people of Massachusetts 
and this valley, saying that he was gratified in finding so 
great a similarity between them, even to the names of 
the citizens here and in his native State. 

Hon. Sylvester Dana, as a preface to the follow^i ng ail- 
dress^ exhibited a life size oil painting of Gen. John 
Sullivan, whose name is so intimately associated with the 
history of this valley in consequence of his ex[)edition of 
1779, while on his way to chastise the Indian Tribes 
living on the Chemung and about the small lakes in the 
State of New York, which had been loaned by the Gov- 
ernor of New Hainpshire, and brought hither for exhibi- 
tion on this occasion — : 



AT WILKESBARRE. 247 

ADDRESS. 

It is with indescribable staisfaftion that I have been 
able to come down from New Hampshire and be with 
\-ou on this occasion — to behold for the first time this 
[glorious valle}', where my ancestors lived and suffered, 
and to hear a rehearsal of their virtues, their achieve- 
ments and their misfortunes. This view, so long desired, 
I expelled, in the language of the poet, "to die without 
the sight." 

From my father 1 learned in early life concerning many 
of the localities hereabouts — all included in the town of 
Westmoreland, that more extensive town than ever ex- 
isted on this or any other continent, which his father, 
Anderson Dana, represented in the Connc(5licut Legisla- 
ture, rctiuning to this place on the da}' before the battle 
to take part in it and to die. 

M\' father often described to me how at the Wilkes- 
barre I'ort, on this very spot, on the 3d day of July 1778, 
he anxiously listened to the rattling of musketry upon 
yonder battle field ; how, on the da)' after the disastrous 
result, being nine years old, he fled with his mother and 
the family towards Connecticut ; how the party of some 
twenty, wearily pursued their march into the night and 
into the morning ; lest they should be overtaken by the 
Indians; how the only man in the party followed behind 
the exhausted children, freely applied the rod to them 
when the)' faltered and fell asleep in their tracks ; how 
they suffered from hunger, the loss of shoes and other 
privations as they crossed the mountains before reaching 
the Hudson ; how they were once aroused from their wel- 
come repose in the wilderness by bowlings which were 
supposed to emanate from a band of ferocious and blood 
thirsty savages, but which on investigation gave them 
the comforting assurance that they were only uttered by 
a less ferocious and less bloody pack of wolves. And 
how at length they reached Connefticut, where scattered 
among friends, they passed the remaining days of child- 



248 CELEBRATION. 

hood, and in after }^ears not a few of them, (including my 
father and two of his brothers) returned to this desolated 
Valley and commenced life anew. But omitting further 
allusion to those sad events, I now inquire who delivered 
this fair Valley from the thraldom in which it was involv- 
ed .' Who crushed out the Indian murderers, and broke 
forever the power of the Iroquois confederation .■* All 
_this was achieved, as you well know, under the auspices 
and command of an eminent citizen of New Hampshire, 
Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, of whom it is peculiarly appro- 
priate on this occasion to make mention. 

John Sullivan was born at Somerworth. in the county 
of Strafford, New Hampshire, February i8th, 1740. His 
father was in part of Irish origin, who, it was said, emi- 
grated to this country in consequence of the opposition 
of his family to his proposed marriage to a person be- 
neath him in rank. He followed the profession of teach- 
er, and hence his son, John, became unusually well edu- 
cated for that period. In his later youth John commenc- 
ed the study of law in Portsmouth, the largest town in 
the Province, where he soon evinced extraordinary ap- 
titude for his chosen profession, and after his admission 
to the bar he settled in the town of Durham, N. H.. 
which ever remained the place of his residence. There 
he entered upon a lucrative practice, and not conhning 
himself to his profession merely, he gave much attention 
to manufacturing enterprises, which were successful and 
for which that part of New Hampshire has ever since 
been distinguished. Then came on the troubles with the 
mother country which preceded the revolution. Sullivan 
familiarized himself respe6ting all the great battles of 
the world, and was accustomed to drill his neighbors in 
military evolutions long before the conflict opened. In 
fa6l, he was one of the first to commence that confli6t, 
for in December, 1774, he participated in an expedition 
which took from Forts William and Mary, near tlie en- 
trance of Porstmouth Harbor, ninet\'-seven casks of 



AT WILKEbBARRE. 249 

powder. These were stored near his residence, in Dur- 
ham, for a time, and they became of invaluable service 
to the Americans at the battle of Bunker Hill. 

Sullivan was a member of the first Continental Con- 
gre'=s, which assembled at Philadelphia in September, 
1774; was on important committees and was particularly 
distinguished for his eloquent reply to Dickinson, who 
proposed a second address to the King, which speech 
elicited much praise from John Adams. On the appoint- 
ment of Washington as Cammander-in-Chief in 1775, 
Sullivan was chosen one of the eight generals under him. 
He was present at the siege of Boston, and, when the 
term of service of certain Conne6licut troops expired, he 
repaired to New Hampshire and brought down 2,000 
volunteers to take their places. He was soon after ap- 
pointed to the position of Major-General, and went to 
Canada and rescued, by a successful retreat, the remains 
of Montgomery's army from capture by the British. He 
was in the battle of Long Island, where he was taken 
prisoner, but soon exchanged. At the battle of Brandy- 
wine he hail a horse shot under him. He also participa- 
ted in the battles of Germantown, Monmouth and several 
others, and in 1779 was detailed to administer chastize- 
ment to the Indians, who had desolated this beautiful 
Valley. The result of that expedition is known to you 
all, and I will only here add that if any military move- 
ment during the Revolutionary war was crowned with 
complete success, it was emphatically this. With an 
army of over 3,000 men he returned to Easton with the 
loss of only about 40 men by disease, battle and accident. 

Gen. Sullivan was a man who freely expressed his 
sentiments, and his allusions to the inertness of the 
Board of war in not reasonably and sufficiently furnish- 
ing the supplies for this expedition rendered him an 
objefl of disfavor in some quarters, but the result proved 
that Sullivan was right — for during the return his army 
had to be put upon half rations. His health being im- 



250 CKr.KKKA'riON'. 

p.iire(.l b\' d continuous ser\'ice of nearly tivc years in tlie 
arm)'. Sullivan, late in 1779, resigned his commission, 
much to the regret of Washington, who addressed to 
him a highly complimentary letter. In the following 
[une he was chosen b\' New Hampshire to represent her 
again in Congress, which he did with marked ability. 
I'u'o \ears later he became Attorney General of that 
^tate and rendered important ser\ice, and in 1786 he was 
elected Chief Magistrate of New Hampshire, and sub- 
sequently re-ele(5led to that position. He was President 
of the New Hampshire Convention that adopteci the 
Constitution of the United States, and contributed much 
to that result. In 1789116 was appointed by Washington 
Judge of the United States District Court of New Hamp- 
shirv.\ and held the office till his greatly lamented death, 
in January, 1795, he then being nearly 55 years of age. 
Much could be said in praise of the character and achiexe- 
ments of Gen. Sullivan which have gone through severe 
and uncalled for criticism unscathed. His fame and rep- 
utation will ever be duly appreciated by a people who 
have received so much benefit from his services, and I 
only add that among all the eminent worthies who served 
the American cause during the l\.e\olutionai \- struggle, 
no man manifested more disinterested patriotism — more 
ardent and well direfted zeal, and, under the circumstan- 
ces, attained more complete success than did JOHN 
Sullivan. 

People of Wyoming, what a rich inheritance has been 
handed down to you ! Not merely of material things, 
but the greater inheritance of an ancestr}' whose annals 
comprise all that is manly, good and elevating in human 
nature. Keep bright the Council fires which they lighted 
in this then secluded \'alley, amid so much hardship and 
suffering. Cultivate here their stern virtues, the cardinal 
virtues, with unfaltering assiduity as you commence an- 
other era in your history. 

And now, my friends. I must bid you adieu, and set 



AT WILKKSBARRE. 25 1 

my face towards Conneclicut and beyond, as did my 
father one century ago this very afternoon, but under cir- 
cumstances, liow immensely, how immeasurably diverse I 

Rev. John Pearce pronounced the benediftion and 
THE BIG SHOW WAS OUT 
so far as speech making was concerned. 

In the evening illuminations throughout the city were 
generally displayed from the public buildings and hun- 
dreds ot private residences on all the principal streets- 
A calcium light on the Court House tower revealed the 
surrounding decorations with peculiar vividness and 
effeft, while the residences along the river front and 
the trees on the Common, presented a fair scene of daz- 
zling splendor. At nine o'clock in the evening the grand 
pyrotechnic display took place on the Common at the 
foot of Union street, and was witnessed by the thousands 
of dehghted citizens gathered there. The pieces, many 
of them were very fine and elaborate in design, the dis- 
play having cost the Association the sum of $500. 

After the fireworks, President Hayes and Mrs. Ha\'es 
attended a reception at the residence of Charles Parrish, 
where a large number of persons called to pay their 
respe6ls to the Chief Executive of the nation, and to 
partake of the generous hospitality of the worthy host 
and hostess. 

It was observed in all these impromptu greetings be- 
tween the head of the Republic and the people, that 
there can be no established line of social position in this 
Democratic government of ours, for the old workl idea 
of the Divine right of Kings is something we plain Re- 
publicans can have no conception of 



The following is a list of Aids to Assistant Marshals, 
distributed throughout the parade at their proper places: 
Gen. Paul A. Oliver. Col. Sam Bowman. 

Col. R. Bruce Ricketts. Gen. VVm. H McCartnev. 



152 



CELEBRATION'. 



Maj. I'.'isha A. Hancock. 
Maj. Chas. M. Coiiyngiiam. 
Col. A. von Schluembach. 
Col. Oliver K. Moore. 
Maj. George N. Reichard. 
Col. Jacob Lacier. 
Dr. Edward R. Mayer. 
Dr. T. M. Murphy. 
Capt. Jed C. Paine, 
Horace A. Moore. 
John T. Lenahan. 
Henry W. Palnier. 
J. Frank Lee. 
Wm. L. Paine. 
Allan H. Dickson. 
Joseph Stickney. 
Wm. S. Hillard. 
Sheldon Reynolds. 
Wm. C. Reynolds. 
Fred Mercur. 
G. Mallery Miller. 
John McNeish, Jr. 
Seligman J. Strauss. 
Joseph D. Coons. 
Patrick M. Conniff. 
Patrick J. Kenney. 
Sai'nuel J. Tonkins. 
Joe W. Patten. 
Wm. Penn R}'man. 
G. Mortimer Lewis. 
Elijah C. Wadhams. 
Charles A. Miner. 
Dr. J. Arthur Bullard. 
Charles H. Sturdevant. 
¥.d. W. Sturdevant. 
James S. Lee. 
Edward Mercur. 



Geo. S. Bennett. 
John C. Phelps. 
Wm. L. Conyngham. 
Charles Parrish. 
J. Henry Swoyer. 
Robert R. Morgan. 
Harrison H. Harve\'. 
E. Greenough Scott. 
Edward Stark. 
Andrew H. McClintock, 
Harrison Wright. 
George R. Bedford. 
Dr. Geo. W. Guthrie. 
John L)nch. 
Gustav Hahn. 
James P. Dickson. 
Wm. S. McLean. 
Alexander Earn ham, 
Lewis C. Paine. 
Walter G. Sterling. 
Will N. Shoemaker. 
Chas. P. Hunt. 
George R. Wright. 
John P. Brownscombe. 
Oscar J. Harvey. 
Thomas H. Atherton, 
Irving A. Stearns. 
Elliot P. Kisner. 
El wood Hunt. 
Ed. A. Niven. 
Thomas R. Martin. 
A. W. Long. 
S\lvanus Ayres, Jr. 
J. Ridgeway Wright. 
J. R. Coolbaugh. 
Charles H. Leonard. 
Alexander H. Bowman, 



AT WILKESBARRE. 253 

Wm. G. Phelps. Byron Stark. 

Frank Wheaton. Addison A. Sterling. 

Walter S. Riddle. Edward R. Raub. 

Ernest V. Jackson. John G. White. 

Walter S. Carpenter. Lewis B. Landmesser. 

Rev. P. A. Smith. Dr. John H. Peacock. 

Rev. Father Nagle. Isaac M. Thomas. 

Richard Sharpe. Jr. J. Vaughn Darling. 

Isaac S. Osterhout. Charles E. Rice. 

Richard B. Brundage. Wm. V. Ingham. 

Henry Crandall. David P. Ayres. 

Harry H. Derr. Henry M. Hoyt, Jr. 

John S Harding. George C. Lewis. 

Sam Newhouse. Sterling Catlin. 

Harr>- Reynolds. Fred Parrish. 
Capt' J. E. Roberts, Piuston. Joseph K. Bogert. 
L. Evans, P.ttston. 



JOTTINGS FROM THE PRESS. 
If ever there was a jam of human beings in any poor 
over-crowded city, Wilkesbarre has a right to claim to 
be the banner city of the jammed. For not less than 
eight mortal hours there was a mass of sweltering and 
surging humanity, old men, children, women and girls, of 
tender ages and all sorts and conditions of people push- 
ing and crowding each other on our sidewalks and on the 
public grounds. Such a day had never been seen here 
before, and as far as we can learn good order and jollity 
charafterized the people. 

During the middle of the day the grand parade claimed 
all their attention, and the exercises at the stand on the 
Common, near South street, came in for its share later in 
the day. 

Two large flat boats came down from up river on the 
evening of the 3d, carrying a large number of excur- 
sionists who seemed to have everything to make them 



2 54 CELEBRATION. 

comfortable. One was called the Ovvego and the other 
the Belle Barton. They were fitter! up in good .st}-le as 
regards living, having tables, ranges, mattresses, and 
there is no doubt the x'oung folks had a good time bar- 
ring the excessive heat, on the water. 

The Scranton Battalion had a dress parade on the 
river Common at six o'clock and were reviewed by Gov- 
ernor Hartranft and the President, who expressed them- 

.selves much pleased with the drill and material of our 

. • , ...» 
sister city s military organization. 

LET US FEEL THAXKFLIL. 

The great W\-oming Centenarx- has passed and we are 
happ}^ to announce that no serious case of accident or 
prostration occurred for us to chronicle. 

The hospital fitted up on the lawn at the resilience of 
Dr. Mayer, on River street, was under the able charge ol 
the Doctor himself, assisted b\' Dr. II. Hakes and the 
other physicians invited to attend upon the .'^ick and 
wounded on that day, and they attended strictl\- to the 
dut\' during the entire day, and we were pleased to learn 
on inquiry at the temporary hospital that no serious mis- 
hap had occurred. 

There were brought in for treatment during the da_\' : 
James Higans, of Sugar Notch, aged 13 years, slight 
' sunstroke; but soon relieved and sent home in good con- 
dition. Margaret Searle, of Lackawanna, a married 
woman, prostrated by the heat, soon relieved, and Minnie 
Cross, aged 18 )cars, of Mosex'town. suffering from slight 
congestion of the brain caused by heat and e.xcitement. 
After being treated by the doctors who were giving their 
time and experience in the interest of humanit)-, she soon 
was relieved of any serious apprehension and sent to her 
home in the ambulance. This speaks well for the pro- 
fession xvho have so kindly x'olunteered their services, 
and we have cause for congratulation that the)' had so 
little xvork to tlo on this Centennial tlax'. 



AT WILKESBARRE. 255 

The earnest efforts made generally to provide for the 
wants of the great influx of strangers who attended the 
celebration on the line of the streets traversed by the 
parade, proved very ;icceptable to the thirsty masses. 
Barrels containing ice water were placed at convenient 
points where all C(ndd slake their thirst at will and with- 
out money or price. 

Thirty-five thousand excursion tickets to Wilkesbarre 
were sold in Philadelphia on the 3d and 4th. 

It recjuired sixty-three cars to transjjort passengers 
between Scranton and Wilkesbarre. 

President Mayes and party, accompanied by United 
States Senator J. Donald Cameron left the city on the 
morning of the 5th for their respective places of abode. 

Of the commemorative medals ordered by the appro- 
{)riate committee, there were struck in gold 7, in silver 
200, copper bronze 300, copper gilt 151, white metal 
F,oo2, after which the dies were broken and the fragments 
forwarded to the proper committee. 

THE R EC ATT A. 

The citizens in charge of the regatta contest met at 
the Valley Hotel on the evening of the 5th for the pur- 
pose of awarding the prizes of medals to the successful 
crews. The medals are the same as the silver and bronze 
Centennial medals, but of solid gold, and are of the 
money value of $160. Hon. Lazarus D. Shoemaker was 
called to the chair and made the proper kind of a speech 
to the aquatic heroes. Mr. Thomas R. Goucher presented 
the medals. 

The crews responded in a fitting manner, and returned 
thanks for the kindness shown them by their entertainers 
in this city during their stay. The Quaker City crew of 
Philadelphia were the vi6lors in the four-oared race and 
received the first prize. In the one pair-oared race, the 
Undines, also of Philadelphia, being the only entry, the 
crew each received a medal. Mr. Henry Bond, of the 



256 CELEBRATION. 

College Club of Philadelphia, was the vi6lor in the single 
scull race and a medal was awarded to him accordingly. 
Mr. A. S. Dressel had entered for this race but his boat 
was disabled before starting. The Plxmouth Star Row- 
ing Club had a race for a silver goblet which was won bv' 
Mr. Thomas B. Barnes. County Treasurer John McNeish, 
Col. Frank Stewart, of Berwick, and Col. A. J. Frick, of 
X)anville, each had his say at the boys when thc\' all 
repaired to the residence of Mr. Shoemaker, where a 
reception was held and at a late hour the festivities 
closed, all feeling that it is a pleasant thing to be a joll\' 
good water man in these gay and festive days. 

THE VETERAN CORPS. 

The following resolutions neatly engrossed were for- 
warded to the Association in acknowledgment of cour- 
tesies extended to the Corps during its Centennial visit ; 

At a meeting of the Veteran Corps, First Regiment, 
Infantry N. G. Pa., held immediately upon its return 
from the visit to participate in the ceremonies attending 
the Centennial commemoration of the Massacre of 
Wyoming, it was unanimously resolved : 

1. That the thanks of the Corps be tendered to the 
people of Wilkesbarre for the reception tendered them. 

2. That the participation in the commemoration of an 
event which so developed the nerve, energ\' and sacrifice 
of American manhood, is of itself a special pri\'i!ege; 
yet the graceful, easy attentions will doubly intensify the 
recolle6lions of its many pleasant incidents, and have 
secured the pronounced verdi6l, that Wilkesbarre has no 
rival in her happy way of showing her desire to make the 
stranger feel that her people have generous homes where 
he is always welcome. 

3. That our thanks are hereby tendered to theWyoming 
Artillerists, Grand Army of the Republic and the citizens 
committee, who received and escorted the Corps on its 
arrival on Jul)' 3. 



AT WILKESBARRE. 237 

4. That especially are we indebted to many of Wilkes- 
barre's distinguished private citizens for particular cour- 
tesies. 

5. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the 
chairman of the committee of arrangements. Wilkesbarre. 

James W. Latta. 
Col. and President Veteran Corps. 
Attest: G. H. NORTH, Adjutant and Secretary, etc. 

CLOSING UP. 

. The Executive Committee met at the Arbitration 
Room Saturday morning, July 6th, at ten o'clock. 

In the absence of the chairman and secretary, who 
were unavoidably detained at home, E. L. Dana was 
called to the chair and W. H. Bradley appointed secre- 
tary pro tern. 

Bills were presented from the several committees ag- 
gregating in amount about $4,500. The subscriptions 
have been mostly collefted, and there yet remains on 
the books enough to defray all expenses in full, so that, 
besides having had a very excellent celebration, the com- 
mittee have the additional satisfa6lion of having it in 
their power to be able not to leave a single debt unpaid. 

A committee consisting of Gen. E. L. Dana, Hon. 
Steuben Jenkins and !Ion. L. D. Shoemaker was ap- 
pointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of 
the Association of the hospitality of the citi7,ens of the 
valley, and their indefatigable labors toward the success 
of the occasion. 

On motion of Dr. Hakes a resolution of thanks was 
extended to the press — both local and general — for their 
courteous and liberal notices, both in advance and in re- 
porting the proceedings. 

A committee, consisting of Dr. Bradley, Dr. Hakes 
and Rev. Abel Barker was appointed for the purpose of 



258 CELEKRATION. 

ascertaining" as ncarh' as possible the number of persons 
in attendance at Wyoming and Wilkesbarre on the third 
and fourth days of July. 

It was on motion resolved that the Wyoming 100 th 
year Association be continued as a permanent organiza- 
tion, to meet annually at Wyoming, on the third day of 
July in each recurring year so long as any of the original 
members shall survive. 

On motion, it was determined to make out a list of the 
contributors to the expenses of this Centennial, and place 
the same in the rooms of the Historical Society. 

Drs. Hakes and Hollister presented the lithograph stone 
of the map of Wyoming Valley as it appeared 100 years 
ago, which was directed to be preserved in the rooms of 
the Historical Society. 

Adjourned to meet on Wednesday at the Arbitration 
Room at 10 o'clock to transatl finally the business of the 
celebration. 

SUMMING UP THE RESULT. 

The great one hundredth anniversary, with all its 
pleasures and discomforts, is now^ a thing of the past and 
has taken its place in the history of our country ; and 
perhaps at this time it may not be inappropriate for this 
department of the Times to indulge in a 'i^v^ reminiscences 
of the past year as connected with the days we have just 
celebrated. 

On the 3d of July, 1877, a few of the citizens represent- 
ing "the pioneer settlers of Wyoming, met at the Court 
House in this city. Among them was the Wilkesbarre 
representative of this paper, and it was then and there 
determined to make the effort to commemorate the cen- 
tenary year of our sorrow in a manner that would show 
to the world that the descendants of those brave men 
were not unmindful of the sacrifices made on the bloody 
3d of July, 1778. 



AT WlLKEsr.AURE. 259 

Throughout the past year the Times has ever been 
foremost in advertisinij to the world the preparations 
that were being made, and the expectations of the men 
at the head of this great undertaking. We have been 
nobly seconded by the local press of the county and sur- 
rounding country, and though some of them may have en- 
tertained lingering doubts of the success of the enterprise 
at first, still all in the latter part of the labor have done 
their best, and we think that old Wyoming, the old 
Westmoreland commonwealth may well feel proud of our 
grand and overwdielming demonstration, that has taken 
captive the heads and the hearts of almost the entire 
country, and by reviewing the events of the past in the 
minds of the people, given us a j^lace in historN' that must 
forever remain fixed and determined. But this is not the 
most pleasing feature of the event ; it has brought to- 
gether the old citizens from all quarters of the country,, 
who for years have been estranged from each other, re- 
newing and recementing the ties of kindred and friends 
who may have grown cold in their early love by distance 
and lapse of time; and it has thus caused many happy 
reunions, which, but for this, would never have occurred- 

In our brief account of the ceremonial transa6lions, 
we have avoided anything like self-gratulation, as ex- 
pressing any opinion as to the success or otherwise of the 
exhibition, but contented ourselves with giving the plain 
facts, leaving our readers to infer from these, what the 
result must have been. • We have now only to sa\-, that 
we consider it an overwhelming success. It has accom- 
plished all that was designed by its originators ; and 
though some of the details may have been lacking in the 
order of arrangements, this can in no way detraft from 
the grand result. 

We have given our labor freely without hope of reward, 
We have had no little hatchet to be set on eA^gG by 
gathering scraps of history relating to any of the a6live 
participators in that hot Jul\' day, as none of our ances- 



26o celp:rration. 

tors were great braves or Indian killers of pre-revolii- 
tionary times. Oar lineage comes from a different 
vocation ; our ancestor was a man of peace and not war, 
and no laurel dabbled in blood can be supposed to deck 
his spirit brow. We have sought only to vindicate the 
facts of history in common with others engaged in the 
great undertaking. We are content to leave history to 
•deal with us as we deserve. — -Scranton Times, July Jtlt. 



NEWSPAPER MENTION. 

Messrs. Faser and Smith sold over twenty thousand 
flags during the Centennial excitement in this city. 

TO BE CLOSED FOR lOO YE.A.RS. 

The Executive Committee met in Court room No 2, at 
10 o'clock a. m. July I ith and was hard at work all day 
scrutinizing and auditing bills. The amount passed and 
dirfted to be paid amounts to $5,698 79. The amount 
alreac>y collected on subscription amounts to $5,111.50; 
of this amount Pittston has contributed $430; and the 
great city of Scranton $0000.00. Upon the fafts appear- 
ing that the Association was short about $500, a few of 
the gentlemen present very liberally and patriotically 
offered to increase the amount of their subscriptions so 
as to cover all obligations incurred in the demonstration. 
The orders will be drawn to-day and those entitled to 
receive the money can obtain them at the Secretary's 
office. 

The committee adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. on Sat- 
urday next, for a final meeting to close up business till 
the bi-centcnary rctirn of the anniversary may call 
others to preform a similar dut\' 



HUMORS OF THE lOOTH YEAR PARADE. 

The colored element was in a ferment of excitement 
and the sable sons of Ham were in dead earnest, for the 



AT WILKESBARRE. 26l 

Wvomini^ centenary services were at hand, and had not 
the thirst)- earth at Wyoming- drank of the rich red blood 
of a Gershom Prince and a Ouocko on that fatal 3d of 
ful\'.? Therefore duty and patriotism to the mother 
country required that her descendants should duly honor 
their memor\' on this rooth anriiversary of their fall. 

Meetings were called and held; resolutions were passed, 
committees api)ointed, a hall for headquarters was en- 
gaged for the gathering hosts, who were expelled to 
honor tiie occasion with their presence from all parts of this 
broad land. At least ten thousand of the once despised 
race, now free and independent citizens, would assem- 
ble here on the 3d. The Centennial Committee pledged 
$iOO to assist them in entertaining the visitors from 
abroad. More resolutions, more committees, more horses 
for the marshals was the result. Owens was in his glory; 
Towns was eloquent ; Rex was truly regal in his adorn- 
ments ; but lo ! on the glorious 4th, when they appeared 
in the procession, we were doomed to a cruel disappoint- 
ment. First came the marshals mounted on fiery steeds, 
with epaulettes, chapeaus, sashes and spurs. These were 
follewed by Holmes' hired colored band, and then— oh ! 
we regret to chronicle it — -came the grand procession of 
one poor dejeftcd mortal, who blushed when he thought 
of the ridiculous part he was acting, of, into a thousand 
parts trying to divide one man, to make imaginary puis- 
sance. We pitied that poor fellow, and if we knew his 
name would give it as a tribute to his pluck and energy. 
It is hard to be an end man in a parade, and this being 
the head and tail both of a grand procession, must be 
ver\- trving to weak nerves. — Times Julv 6th, 



AUDITING THE BILLS. 

The Executive Committee met on Thursday, July i ith, 

for the purpose of auditing bills for necessary expenses 

and for other purposes. Orders were direfted to be 

drawn on the Treasurer, aggregating in amount $5,883.79. 



262 CELEBRATION. 

The committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions 
expressive of the sense of the Association, of the hos- 
pitality of the citizens of the Valley, made the foUowin^^ 

REPORT. 

The committee to whom was referred the duty of pre- 
paring and reporting an appropriate expression of thanks 
to those who aided in the commemoration of the looth 
•anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, 
beg leave to report the following : 

This Association, organized for the purpose of adopt- 
ing plans and obtaining from subscriptions, the means fo'r 
the due observance of the 3d and 4th of Jul}-, having 
now accomplished the primary and leading objecl of its 
organization, desires to express its obligation to the 
general public and to the citizens individually, who, by 
afliv^e efforts and liberal money contributions, aided in 
rendering the exercises and display connected wMth the 
Wyoming Centennial, a gratifying and memorable suc- 
cess. The Association observes and gratefully recognizes 
the good order and the respectful attention shown b\' the 
vast assemblage of citizens, both at Wyoming and at 
Wilkesbarre. Its thanks are due and are hereb)' cor- 
dially tendered to the high officials, both national and 
state, and to the military and civic organizations, who 
by their presence and active participation, added to the 
exercises; and also to the orators and poets who favored 
us with their eloquent, appropriate and beautiful contri- 
butions. 

The Association desires especially to express its thanks 
for many creditable odes and poetic productions, which 
for want of time could not be read. The writers are 
assured that their contributions will be carelull}^ pre- 
served among the proceedings of the Association. 

The Executive Committee returns its thanks to the 
ladies and citizens of Wyoming, Pittston and Wilkes- 
barre, for the rich and tasteful decorations of the streets, 
the buildings, public and private, for the skill and labor 



AT WILKESBARRE. * 263 

employed in tlie historical and mechanical displays, and 
for the hospitality so generousl)' shown in ministering 
to the wants, and contributing to the enjoyment of our 
guests. The Association further expresses its gratitude 
for the pleasant weather with which we were favored, 
and the fa6l that no accident, injury or disturbance 
occurred to mar the enjoyments or sadden the memory 
of the occasion. Respeftfully submitted, 

E. L. Dana. 

Steuben Jenkins. 

L. D. Shoemaker. 

^ Committee. 

SETTLING UP CENTENNIAL BUSINESS. 

At a meeting of the Executive Committee on Satur- 
day morning, Jul}' 13th, Col. Dorrance called the meet- 
ing to order, after whicli the following proceedings were 
had: 

Dr. Bradley, chairman of the committee appointed to 
investigate as to the numbers present at Wyoming and 
Wilkesbarre on the 3d and 4th, reported after consulta- 
tion with the several railroad companies, that there were 
at W\oming about 60,000 and at Wilkesbarre 80,000 
persons brought there by rail. 

Where.\s, It appears from the otificial returns of the several railroad com 
panics eentering at Wyoming and Wilkesbarre that, during the two days of our 
Centennial ceremonies they carried to and from these points nearly 80,000 
passengers, without sacrificing a single life or injuring a limb, but on the con- 
trary, by the "exercise of extraoixlinary caution — the manifestation of special 
interest and the courteous attention of sujDerintendenls, officers and employees, 
they contributed so largely to the success of the celebration, therefore 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Association are due and hereby tendered 
these several companies, their officers and employees. 

Resolved, That in an especial manner are our thanks due W. F. Halstead, 
Superintendent of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, who 
carefully placed a special train at the disposition of the Reception Committee 
for use of the Presidential party, and in every possible way, both individually 
and through subordinate officers and employees contributed to the comfort, 
convenience and pleasure of those who attended the e-xercises at Wyoming, 



264 CELEBRATION. 

On motion, ordered that one of the flay^s used in the 
decorations at Wyomini^- on the 3d be presented to each 
of the following persons: Charles Dorrance, president; 
Payne Pettebone, chairman Finance Committee; Wesley 
Johnson, secretary; R. J. Wisner, chairman decorations; 
Dr. H. Hakes, chairman on maps, etc.; Dr. Hollister. on 
historical data; Steuben Jenkins, chairman on antiquities; 
Abel Barker, on decorations. 

The flag voted to Col. Dorrance ^was by him imme- 
diately presented to Payne Pettebone, Esq., as trustee, 
to be held for use whenever it shall be thought proper to 
use a flag by the W}'oming Monumental Association. 

Adjourned to meet at the same place at 10 a. m. on 
.Saturday next. 

The Executive Committee met at 10 o'clock a. m. on 
Saturday morning, July 20th 1878, at the office of L. D. 
Slioemaker, Treasurer. 

On motion, ordered that the sum ot $25 each, to Miss 
Susan E. Dickinson and Mrs. Gertrude Watres, be donat- 
ed as slight testimonials for their poems for the 3cl of July. 

Dr. Hollister deposited with the secretary for the use 
of the Publishing Committee documents, curious and 
historical, collecled by him during the past }'ear. 

On motion, ordered that one of the Hags belonging to 
this association be presented to the Scr.mti^n Hattalion 
in recognition of their services on the 3d. 

On motion of Dr. Hollister, ordered that this associa- 
tion will meet at the Wyoming Monument on the 3d of 
Jul)', 1879, at 10 o'clock a. m. of that day, and annually 
thereafter while any of its members shall live. 

Adjourned to meet on Saturday August 31st. at lO a. 
m. at the usual place. 



AT WILKKSliARKK. 



26: 



The 
count 
No. I 



II 
12 

13 

14 
15 
16 

17 

18 

19 
20 
21 



24 
25 
26 

27 
28 
29 



34 
35 
36 
37 
38 

39 
40 

41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 

47 
48 
49 
50 



folhnxing is a list of pax'ments and on what ac- 
tlie money was paid : 

To Calvin Parsons, for music, vocal and insinimental, - $ 489 co 

W. II. Bradley, for large po.ster.s, . . - 13975 

J. C. Paine, for Grand Army, - 100 co 

Steuben Jenkins, antiquities, 18 92 

(leorge Coray, buildings, - - 461 06 

II. A. LaycocU, dinners for singers, - 40000 

.•\. I'.arker, transportation of battalion, 102 50 

janies P. Atherton, dinners for battalion, - 35 *"'° 

lames P. Artherton, dinners for artillerist.s, - '5 5° 

lames P. Atherton, dinners (or police, - 17 20 

C. Dorrance, for P. V. Wambold use of chairs, 19 75 

T. C. Parker, for Wyoming Artillerists, 250 CO 

R. J. Wisner, decoration at Wyoming, 500 00 

James P. Dickson, historical tableaux, - - 500 oc 

A. Barker, transportation of Indians, - 121 co 

Silkman & Woodling, barouche for the President - 60 co 

T. S. Hillard, for firemen,- - - - 7500 

J. K. Bogert, printing, - - 130 co 

Wesley Johnson, for Colored Band, - 50 oo 

Payne Peltebone, repairs to montiment, 100 00 

Thomas Halfpenny, boarding Indians, 40 co 

John Raider, boarding Indians, - - 45 cc 

II. Hakes, ambulance and hospital stores, 54 50 

I*;. L. Dana, expense of committee, - - 21 co 

Robert Baur, printing, - - - - - 55 'O 
(McClellan Rilles, $50- declined — cancelled) 

S.unuel Newhouse, decorations at Wilkesbarre, - - 408 88 

Stanley Woodward, for telegraphing, - . - - 50 co 

C. Dorrance, expen.se Lexington tent, - - - 25 co 

J. W. Patten, for tin cups, - - - - - 4 00 

I*;. L. Dana, exj^ressage on Ccn. Sidlivau's portrait, 3 60 

|olin Long, for ice at Wyoming, - 10 co 

.Marx Long, for collecting, - 5000 

C. C. Jones, stands on the Common, 50 00 

Janies P. Atherton, expense of tents, 372 03 

Stanley Woodward, for bands on the 4th, - • 37500 

H. W. Palmer, fireworks, 500 co 

Payne Pettebone, painting monument fence. - - - 100 co 

James P. Atherton, additional expense, 65 50 

John Zeidler, meals for battalion, 42 50 

Harry Courtright, livery hire, - 10 co 

A. F. Snyder, posting bills, - - 300 

Mrs. 1 1. C>. Watres, for poem, - 25 00 

Miss Susan E. Dickinson, poem, 25 00 

.Steuben Jenkins, balance exjiensc, i 25 

J. P.. Stark, hotel bill for President, 48 25 

C. A. Miner, expense of Wm. P. Abbott, 10 00 

A. liarker, flag for Scranton Battalion, 21 00 

John Knelley, trmiming trees, - - 6 50 

James P. Atherton to pay police, - 35 "t) 



Total orders issued, 



$6,131 89 



l(^ CELEBRATlOrV. 

THE FLAG PRESENTATION 

riie ceremony of presenting the flag voted by the 
Association to the Scranton BattAlion o City Guards, 
took place at the Armory in Scranton, on September 17th 
1878. 

JN^ajor Boies had paraded the Battalion in full .'rcss 
uniform, and shortly after 4 o'clock in the afternoon the 
officers of the Association, being Col. Dorrance. Presi- 
dent, L. D. Shoemaker Treasurer, Wesley Johnson ScM'e- 
tary, Payne Pettebone of Pinance Committee, Steuben 
Jenkins, Abel Barker, Dr. H. Hakes, E. L. Dana and J)r. 
Hollister of P^xecutive Committee were duly escorted to 
the Armory, where a Large number of ladies and gentle- 
men spe6lators had assembled to witness the interesting 
ceremony. 

Ceneral Dana offered the presentation speech, and de- 
livered the flag, a beautiful one, to Major Boies, which 
was accepted in behalf of the Battalion in the same 
graceful manner, thanking the Association, not only for 
the handsome donation, but also for the spirit of the 
donors in making so appropriate a gift to this association 
of citizen soldiers. The flag was then raised on the 
Armory building, where it was saluted b\- the soldiers in 
due form. The members of the association, were then 
escorted in carriages to the parade ground where the 
Battalion performed some of its best military evolutions 
of field drill by firing volleys, file firing and firing in 
skirmish line, advancing in fine style on an imaginary 
enemy. Also exhibiting the efficacy of the Galling gun 
fire at a target at considrable distance. General Dana, 
a hero of two wars expressed himself much pleased at 
the Battalion drill. The day passed pleasantly, and will 
be one long to be remembered by all concerned. 



VALLEY FORGE, 

On the 22cl of November 187S. the Valley Forge Cen* 
tennial Association paid a complimentary visit to its 
sister Association of Wyoming. A special train on the 
Lehigh V;ille>' road under command of Alexander 
Mitchell, Sujjerir.tendent, left Wilkesbarre at 8 o'clock 
a. m. and met the visiting part}' at East Penn. Junclion, 
(Allentown j. 

Dr. Hollister and Calvin Parsons as a committee of 
escort, met the train at Mauch Chunk; Dr. Hakes and 
W'eslex- Johnson boarded tiie same at P^spy Station to 
act as an auxUiar)' reception committee. 

The visiting party consisted of eighty-five ladies and 
gentlemen, of Philadelphia,' Norristown, Reading, Con- 
shohocken, etc. The party was in charge of Col. Bean 
manager for the Regents of the Association : Among 
other distinguished members were Col. McOuade, R. R. 
Colson. J. P. Jenkins, Col. James Boyd, E. Beers, Col. 
Ellis, Ira Roberts, P.sq., Secretar\- of the Association, 
and Jolm Eckman, Treasurer, Maj. and Mrs. Holstein, 
Mrs. Aubrv' H. Smith. Mrs. McGuire, Gen. Gregg, Col. 
W. H. H. Davis. Mr and Mrs. Wickersham. Mrs. R. R. 
Coursen. Mrs. Mercur, Mr. P Smith P^athey, Editor Bar- 
ton, of the I'illagc Record, West Chester, and Lewis 
Davis, Editor, of Pottstown, Gen. Albright, of Mauch 
Chunk, etc. 

'Phe train arrived in Wilkesbarre at 2:50 [) m., in the 
midst of a drenching rain, when the visitors were met 
b\- a Committee of the Wyoming Association, consisting 
of Abel Barker, L. D. Shoemaker, p:. L. Dana, Steuben 
Jenkins, Benjamin F. Dorrance and Dr. P^dward R. 
Maver. Carriages were in waiting to convey the party 
to the Wyoming Valley Hotel for rest und refreshments. 
After mutual greetings had been exchanged, and the 
visitors, such as desired to be, had been introduced to the 
Governor- ele6l Gen. H. M. Hoyt. and Lieut. Governor 
Stone, all repaired to the spacious dining hall where din- 
ner was waiting. After dinner the Governor-elecl was 
introduced to the, visitors by Gen. Dana, who in conse- 
quence of the absence of Col Dorrance on account of 



268 CELEBRATION. 

illness, was a6linij for the Wyoming. Gen. Ho\ t in tlie 
few happy remarks, which were addressed to the guests 
of the occasion, regretted that their visit had fallen on 
so inclement a day as tins has been, and gallantly 
remarking that the smiles of the ladies present were the 
only gleams of sunshine with which we have been favored 
or will be favored during this visit. This v\-as responded 
to by Gen. Louis Wagner in an equally gallant and 
happy manner, after which Gen. Dana, on behalf of the 
Wyoming Association, made a few remarks as to 
the mission of these sister Association.^, that of keeping 
green the memory of those brave men of the tr\ing times 
of the Revolutionary struggle. 

The stor_v of Valle\- h^orge, while it does not call to 
mind the shock of battle, where brave men fall mid fire 
and smoke and clash of arms and sabre stroke, or by 
lingering torture of prisoners after tlte combat had ceased, 
as ours of Wyoming does, }'et when we recall the events 
of that winter's encampment on the banks of the Schuyl- 
kill, we see Washington and his little army of patriots 
during the darkest period of our revolutionary struggle. 
We see a body of men destitute of almost everx'thing 
that tends to make camp life endurable. Without proper 
food, without clothing, without shoes, their naked and 
lacerated feet leaving tracks of blood in the snow through 
which they were compelled to wade in the performance 
of duty. And yet they, thanks to the indomitable will 
and cheering presence of a Washington, never lost heart 
or faith in the ultimate triumph of their cause. And 
permit me to say to \ou, members o( the Valley Forge 
Memorial Association, that }'ours is a high and noble 
trust — cherish it — cherish the name of Washington, and 
through him his noble compatriots, who after a night of 
gloom amid the Pennsylvania hills on our own lovely 
Schuylkill, were destined to behold the first streakings 
of the morning light of liberty for the oppressed colonies 
struggling to be free. 



VALLEY FORGE. 269 

Mrs. Aubry H. Smith. Regent of the Valley Forge 
Association, responded to Judge Dana's chara6leristic 
remarks in a manner equally eloquent and patriotic. She 
thanked the officers and members of the Wyoming Asso- 
ciation, in the name of the Association which she repre- 
sented, for the handsome reception accorded it — remind- 
ing the members of the former, that they too had a duty 
to perform to posterity as well as to the past — that of 
cherishing the memor\' of the virtues and sufferings of 
the noble dead whose remains rest beneath W\oming's 
monumental shaft, as well as those others, equally brave 
men, who in the Providence of God outlived the slaugh' 
ter of July ^d. I feel proud of the people of my gener- 
ation when I remember the overwhelming success that 
attended your recent efforts at inaugurating a memorial 
service, worthy of the name, on the completion of tlie 
first hundred years after that disastrous event. I cant 
assure you that \-our efforts were watched with the utmost 
solicitude by the Association in whose name I am now 
speaking, and in our name I can most heartily respond, 
"Well done, sister Association." 

This spirited little speech of Mrs. Smith closed the 
social part of the ceremonies, and at half-past 5 o'clock 
p. m. the visitors again took the train and departed for 
their homes. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



The Committee on Invitations, in the name of its 
Chairman, Jud^e Harding, having been direfted by the 
Association to invite the President of the United States, 
the Governors of the "Old Thirteen" States, and such 
other high officials and distinguished citizens as should 
be thought advisable by the committee, as guests of the 
Association, to be present on the 3d and 4th at the 
memorial and celebratory exercises of these days, sent 
out numerous invitations as requested, the following being 
a copy of the one sent to the President. The replies 
follow in tlieir order. 

Wilkesbane, Pa., April 15, 1S78. 
His E.kckllency, Rutherford B. H.wes, 

IV.'sidciJ of the UniUd States, 
S'r -The descendants of tliat brave Ijand of patriots who were massacred in 
th:i Valley of Wyoming, on the 3d day of July, 1778, have determined to 
celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of that event. They will be joined by 
the citizens of Pennsylvania generally, and also by the citizens of New England. 
It will give us great pleasure to have you honor the occasion by your presence. 
Allow us to hope that we will be in an early receipt of a favorable response. 
With considerations in the highest degree respectful I am very truly yours, 

Garrick M. H.\rding, 
Chairman of the Committee on Invitations. 

From the President. 

E.XECimvE M.'WSioN, Washington, Mav 11, 1S78. 
My D.ar Sir : 

I have delayed a reply to your note transmitting an invitation to 
attend the Wyoming Centennial, in the hope that I should be able to accept. 
If Congress continues in session until July 4th my engagements and duties will 
prevent my attendance. As affairs stand I am therefore compelled to decline, 
if I now decide the cjuestion. Sincerely, 

R. B. Hayes. 
[This letter was directed to Hon. Hcndrick l*. Wright, and was marked 
"private" on the upper left hand corner. The President, however, on the 20th 
of June sent to Judge Harding a formal acceptance of the invitation to he 
present, which is given on page 91.] 




o 



\Yvvvvt\^Uv , K f^A-lH^V^C 



V 



v 



:JE G-AHR-ICK M HARDING- 



Dear Hardin" 



COUUFSPONDENCE. S;! 

From the Governor of Pennsylvania. 

EXKLTTIVE CiiAMiiKK, Hanislniy;, Pa., May 2o, icSjS. 



Your letter of invitation for July 4th has been received and in 
answer have to say that I expect to be with you. I yesterday mentioned the 
subject to the President, as I did once before, and I find he has not made up his 
mind yet to decline, and believe he will accept. I proposed that he and his 
party should come to Ilarrislnirg the day before he visits Wilkesbarre and 
remain here over nit^ht^ anil we would join him in the mornini^ and accompany 
him and party to your rei^ion. Perhaps a special letter would settle the matter 
with him in our favor. Yours sincerely, 

J. F. IIaktkanft. 



From the Governor of Nevv York> 

E.XKctru'E CuAMKKR, Albany, May 28, 1878. 

Hon. GaRrick M. Hakdinc. 1 

Dc-ar 6'/r— The Governor has received yoUr polite favor inviting him to 
attend the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the Ma.ssacre of 
Wyoming. He desirek me to express his very cordial acknowledgements 
for your courtesy and his regret that he will not be able to participate in the 
ceremonies which will possess so great an interest to every student ijf our 
history; but official business will prevent his absence from the State at tlie 
time named, and he is therefore obliged, reluctantly to forego the pleasure if 
uniting in the exercises on the occasion. 

Very truly yours, 

D. C. RoisiNSON, 

Private Secretary.. 



From the Governor of Virginia. 

Governor's Oieice, May 16, 1S78. 
Hon. G. M. Harding ; 

Dear Sir — Your very cordial invitation to be present at the hundredth 
anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming has been received. lii 
returning my thanks I have also to express my regrets as not being alle to 1 e 
present on the interesting occasion. It would afford me gretit pleasure to n.eet 
the Governors of the "Old Thirteen, "whom you hope to be present, and revive 
memories, which, while they call up the trials and sufferings that were, in one 
form or another, borne by our common ancestry, ought to make us the more 
earnest to preserve the common heritage which those trials and sufierings wcii. 

Very truly yours, 

Fred W. M. Hoi.i-inAYi 



2/2 CELEHRATION. 

From the Governor of Maryland. 

P'XKCUTiVE DErARiMKNT, Annai)i)lis, May 17. 1878. 
Hon. G. M. Harding, Wilkesbarre : 

My Djar Si?- — Your communication of the ist was duly received. I apjjre- 
ciated most highly the cordial invitation you have tendered to me to be present 
on the occasion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the Battle 
&nd Massacre of Wyoming, in July next. I wish it were possible for me to be 
with you and to join with the descendants of the memorable slain, in the inter- 
.esting ceremonies which I see you have jireparcd for that day, but I regret very 
much that my engagements for July 4th will prevent my attendance. 
Believe me, very respectfully your obedient .servant. 

John Lkk Carroll. 



From the Governor of Vermont. 

E.KECUTlVt': Depaktment, St. Johnsliury. May 28, 1878. 
Afy D-ar Sir : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous in 
vitation to attend the hundredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of 
Wyoming on the 3d of July ne.vt, and regret that my engagements will deprive 
me of the pleasure of being present. I am yours very truly, 

Hon. G. M. Harding. II0R.A.CE Faikp.axks. 

From the Governor of Maine. 

E.KECirnvE Department, Augusta, May 27, 1878. 
Hon. Garrk'k M. Harding, Wilkesbarro, Pa.: 

D ar S'r — I have the honor to thank you for the very courteous and cor iiai 
invitation you favor me with to be present at the commemoration of the hun 
dredth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming, and I regret exceedingly 'liat 
my engagements are such as to prevent my attendance on that interesting 
occasion. Yours very respectfully, 

Selden Connor. 



From the Governor of Nor h Caro'ina. 

E.\i-;ctrnvE Depart.ment, Raleigh, .May 16, 1S7S. 
Hon. G. M. Hardinc;, Wilkesbarre, Pa.: 

My Djar Sir — l acknowledge with much oleasure your invitation to attend 
the hundredth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, to be 
celebrated in your city on the 3d of July next. I do assure you that it wMuld 
he exceedingly agreeable to me to accept it and be jiresent if circumstances 
permitted. Unhappily, in addition to the ordinary duties of inv o;'''ce. \\hich 
might be postponed, the illness of my wife, which threatens to be long con- 
tinued, compels me to forego the great pleasure of vi.sitingyou. I can therefore 
make no engagements for the future which would take me from her side. I 
desire, however, to return you my thanks for your courteous invitation, a id 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2/3 

I assure you and tho^e whom you represent, that I wish exceedhig well to all 
such efforts to co;n.ne,iiorate the virtue, valor, and suffering of our ancestors 
which constitute the common ground of affection and pride of all American 
c'.tiz;:is. With s,'nti.ne.its of rej;ard I am, D.-ar Sir. respectfully yours, 

Z. B. Vance. 

From Ex-Governor Seymour. 

Utica, May 9, 1878. 
A/y D^ar Sir — I am glad to leara that th^re is to be a suitajjle commemo. 
ration of the Mas-^acre of Wyominj;. I attach great importance to everything 
which tends ti keep alive in the minds of our people the recollections of 
historic even'.-,. 1 am surj that the celebration in tliis State in tlie course of the 
this year have made our citizens more intelligent, virtuous and patriotic than 
they would have been if no notice had been taken of centennial events. I send 
you a copy of the proceedings at .Schuylerville where Burgoyne .surrendered hi.s 
army. I will also try to let you have the record of the Ori.skany celebration. 
I do not tliink it will be in my power to bo at your place on the 3d of July. 
If I find that I can gratify myself in this respect I will give you timely notice 

Horatio SiiVMOUR. 
Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From Ex-Governor Andrew G. Curtin. 

I][:i.LKFoxrK, Pa., June, 1878. 

My D.-ar Sir — I am extremely oljligc'l for your invitation, and I will come 
and swell the crowd. 

I cannot say whether Mrs. Curtin or Katie, whom you seem expecting to want, 
will come \^ith me. If either of them will come I will write. 

It will be Katie if either. Truly your friend, 

A. G. ClRTIN. 

Hon. Garrick M. Harding. 



From an Ex-Acting Governor of the Northwest Territory. 

Ripo.N, Wis., June 27, 1S78. 

]\Iy D^'iir Sir — Your kind letter of invitation was received and I had foniUy 
hoped I should have had the pleasure of being with you at the looth anniver- 
sary of the battle and massacre of Wyoming, 3d of July, 1778: 3d of July, 
1878. 

Having been upwards of sixty years ago a graduate of Wasliington (College 
in dear old Pennsylvania, and where I had been taught the doctrine of free 
principles and emancipation, even before the teaching of Greeley himself, I 
had entertained the very great pleasure of meeting at least some of my col- 
lege friends. 

Ill health of myself and family alone forbid my attendance on that truly in- 
teresting occasion, so appropriately celebrated to reanimate the spirit of our 



274 CEl.KHkAl'ION. 

ever to l)e ;i])precialed and truly to be lionored ancestors in their struggle for 
Liberty and Independence, through blood and massacre for seven long years 
of hunger, nakedness, toil and cold of Northern winters, as personally related 
to me by my patriotic ancestors of the States of Maryland and Virginia, pater- 
nal and maternal, and as exhibited by the records of the CJeneral Government. 

I feel, therefore, the same patriotic determination, and at the same costs of 
hunger, risk, privation and cold, to jireserve the Re]rablic inaugurated and 
brought into existence by my patriotic ancestors as they suffered to bring it in- 
to existence. 

With sentiments of the highest regard for the motive of the gentlemen of the 
•association, so patriotic as they must be, and deeply regretting my inability to 
be present ; I am there, however, in spirit in full sympathy and concert of ac- 
tion, determinedly to preserve, defend and maintain Washington's tjovern- 
ment, conquered by Washington, and sustained by the wisdom of Franklhi, 
Pennsylvania's great political luminary and son, without either of whom hav- 
ing lived, the effort of Independence might have failed. 

John S. 1Ii)km:k, 
Acting Governor of the Northwest Territory under Andrew Jackson's Pre>i 

dency of the United States. 

lion. G. M. Harding, Channian, etc. 



From the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. 

Warren, Pa., June 23, 1S7S. 

3fy Dear Sir — Your invitation to be present at the Wyoming anniversary 
celebration on the 3d and 4th prox. was duly received. Thanking you for the 
courtesy of the invitation I accept the same and shall be pleased to join in the 
observance of this interesting historic occasion. 

\'ours truly, 

Chari.es W. Stone. 
[Ion. ('<. M. Harding, Chan'man, etc. 



From the Governor of Rhode Island. 

Newi'ort, R. I., June 7, 1878. 

/)/)' Dc'tir Sir —I liad hoped that I should be al)le to accept your pleasant in- 
viation to be present at your anniversary, and I have delayed complying, but I 
am compelled by official engagements to remain in my State and regret that I 
must forego the pleasure I had anticipated. 
I wish you much hapi^iness. 

I am, my Dear .Sir, most truly yours, 

GiiARi.Ks C. Van Zandt. 
Hon. (j. M. Harfling, Chairman, etc. 



f:ORRKSl'ONDENCE. 



■^/b 



From the Secretary of State. 

Dki'art.ment of State, Washinc ton, June 8, 1878. 

J/r D.ar Sir 1 am this iiioining in receipt of your very courteous invita- 
tion to the celebration of the tooth anniversary of tiie l)att]e and massacre of 
Wyoniinti;, on the 3CI of July next. 

It wuulcl Ljive me s^reat pleasure to take part upon so interesting an occasion, 
and therefore regret extremely that I am unalde to foresee that it will be in my 
|H)\\er to ije present at the proposed celebration. 

I beg to tliank you for the very kind and friendly expressions of your note, 
and am Very truly yours, 

Wm. M. Evakis. 

Hon. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 

From the Secretary of the Interior. 

I )i;i'AKrMi;NT of ihk Interior, \VAsiiix(;roN, June 8, 187S. 
My Dear Sir — I have received your letter of the ist inst. and thank you sin- 
cerely for your kind invitation. It would give me great pleasure to accept 
your hospitality so cordially offered, but my official duties will not permit n^.e 
to leave Washington at the time of your interesting celeljration. 

^'ery truly yours, 

C. SCFIURZ. 

Hon. (.;. M. Harding, (/iiairman, etc. 

From the Chief Justice of the U. S. Court. 

Sr. NiciKJi.A.s Hotel, New "S'ork, June 8, 1878. 
A/v Dear ..SVr— Your very kind invitation to be present at the commemora- 
tion of the looth anniversary of the massacre of Wyoming, on the 3d of the 
coming month reaches me here, and I regret exceedingly that my engage- 
ments are .such as to make it impossible for me to accept. Nothing but im- 
perative necessity could prevent my being «ith you. The occasion is one that 
cannot but be full of interest, and I know how much I should enjoy it. 

With many thanks for the invitation and for the kind w ords in whicJi you 
have been pleased to communicate a, 

I re.nain very sincerely yours, 

M. R. Waitk. 
Hon. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 

From Speaker Randall. 
HoisE of Represent.\tives, Washington, IJ. C, June S, 1878. 
My Dear .S'/r— Permit me to thank you for your jiolite invitation to be 
present on the occasion of the icoth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of 
Wyoming, and to express my regret that owing to other engagements 1 r,hall 
be unable to attend. Very truly yours, 

Sam. J. Randai.i.. 



27t) CELEBRATION. 

From Senator Conkling. 

UN'irKi) States Senate Chamber, Washington, luiie lo, 187S. 
Ml' Dc-m' Sir- — I have the invitation to the looth anniversary of the Battle 
and jMassacre of Wyoming, and with it your courteous letter pressing; me to at- 
tend, and enumerating many tempting inducements. 

I would gladly accept the invatation were it within my power, Lui it is not. 
A conflicting engagement, conditioned on the session expiring in season to 
keep it, woukl alone constrain me to deny myself the pleasure of being present 
, on the occasion. 

Please receive my thanks for your kind words. 

Very truly yours, 

ROSCOE CoNKI.lNc;. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 

From the President of Yale College. 

Yale Coi.i.EbE, New IIa\en, Conn., May 22, 1878. 

My Djar 5//- —Plea.se accept my thanks for the courteous invitation to be 
present on the 3d of July at the lOOth anniversary of the Massacre of Wy 
oming. It would give me great pleasure to visit your beautiful valley on that 
most interesting occasion, but my engagements will probably lie sucli as to 
prevent me from being present. No event has left a deejx-r impression uji 
on my imagination than the story of the massacre as I heard and knew of it in 
my childhood, and it would gratify me e.vceedingly to hear it told and see it 
commemorated a century after tlic event occurred. 

With my best wishes for the success of the comii:en;(:iati( 11. aid n y tliard<s 
to yourself and the committee, I am very truly your^, 

N. Porter. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From Ex- Senator Buckalew. 

P)loomsburg, .May 28th, 1878. 

My Dear Sir —An invitation to your town on the 4th of July, with the state- 
ment of a gigantic procession through the streets, induces me to suggest the 
coiipjsition of one body oi d!itingiiis/u'd visitor.*: 

1. Governors of Pennsylvania, in and out of ofh.e. 

2. Tliose who ou^hl to have been Governors. 

3. Those who expi-ct to be Governors of Pennsylvania. 

In order tli U the last division shall not swamp the jirocession, it may be well 
lo fix a maxinnini of, say 500. 

Very truly, 

C. R. Buckalew. 
Hon. (J. M. Harding— 

I would make my suggestion to our friend Hoyt, Init 1 hear lie is prospecting 
for oil in the West. 



COURESrONDKNCK. 2/7 

From Senator Blaine. 
Unitei) Spaths Sknate Chambeu, Washington, June 6, 1878. 
.1/,' Dar S'r Mr. Hlaiiie directs me to say in reply to your favor of the 4th 

iiist. lUv: he regie's wrv miu'li tliat liis eni:;a,;ernents will not permit him to ac 
cept \ i)ur kind invitation for the 4th ot July. 

Very respectfully, etc., 

T. H. SiiKR.MAN, Secrc tary. 
Hon. (i. M. H.irdin'^, Chairman, etc. 

From the Postmaster-General. 

Washington, D. C, June 8, 1S78. 
J/i' D-ar Sir h will affonl me L;.reat pleasure to accept your invitation of 
tlie 7th inst to 1)0 present at tlie celehratimi of the icoth anniversary of the 
15at ie and .Ma>s.icieof W'yoniin:^ if my pulilic duties will jtermit, lnU at ])reseiit 
1 a 11 unable to promise that I wdl attend. 

'fhankin.j you f)r the invitation and triistiui; that circumstances may permit 
my ai tendance, 

I remain very respectfully, 

I). M. Ki:v. Postmaster (lencral. 
Ifon. (_;. M. IJardin,;, ( hainiian, etc. 

From the Secretary of War. 
War Uei'ARTmen r, WASiiiNcnoN Criv.June 19, 1878. 
My D.\ir S.'r The .Secrt'tary of War directs me to inform you that he rey 
grjts exceedingly that jjuhlie duties will ]irevent an acceptance of your ver- 
kind invitation to he present on tlie occasion of the celebration of the looth an- 
niver.>ar\- of tlie Ilattle and Massacre of Wyoming, at WiJkes-Barre, I'a., July 3- 
\'ery respectfully, 

W. W. (IKI.AIT, Private Secretary. 
Hon. CI. iM. Hardin^', Chairman, etc. 

From the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 

PlllLADlT.l'illA, June 10, 1878. 
i'\f\' Di-(ir S.'r It would afford me great pleasure to accept your kind invita- 
tion to particijiate in the ceremonies in commemoration of the ever nicmoraljle 
15a(tle and .Massacre of Wyoming. But domestic aflliction of a very severe 
eharaUer will prevent me. \'ery truly your^, 

Geo. SiiAKswooi;. 
H 1.1. Carriek M, Har ling. 

From Judge Strong, of the U. S. Supreme Court, 

Washington, June i, 1878. 
Mi' D^ar Sir I acknowledge receipt i)f the courteous invitation to attend 
the coming celeliration of the looth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming, 
aad 1 hope to be able to accept it. I see nothing to prevent unless my court 
at Williamsport sliould be unexpectedly prolonged. 

\'ours very truly, W. Strong. 

lion Ci. M ilai'din''. ( hairman. etc. 



2/8 CELEBRATION. 

From Judge Mercur, of the Supreme Court. 

Harrisburg, June 7, 187S. 
My Dear Sir — 1: will give me great pleasure to participate in the cere- 
monies celebrating the looth anniversary of the Battle and Massacre o( Wy- 
oming. I remain yours truly, 

Ui.YSSES Mercur. 
Hon. Ct. M. fiarding, Chairman, etc. 



From the Prothonotary, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 

Supreme CofRT R(_>oms, H.arrisburc;, June 6, 1878. 
My Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of an invitation 
to be present and participate in the celebration of the lOOth anniversary of the 
Massacre of Wyoming, to be held July 3d next. In response to your flattering 
invitation I beg to say that I shall take pleasure in being present on the occa- 
sion referred to. It is a celebration worthy of the encouragement of every pa- 
triotic citizen of the Commonwealtli. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, 

ROBI". SN()DGR.\SP. 

Hon. C M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From William L. Stone, Historian. 

New Voric City, June 14, 1S7S. 

My Dear Sir — I regi'et that a previous engagement to deliver an address in 
the northern part of the State on the 4th prox. will prevent my accepting the 
polite invitation of yourself and committee to Ije present at the centennial cele- 
bration of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming. 

I trust that some of your speakers will do justice to the character of Thay- 
cndanegea (Brant), and vindicate his memory from the charge of Campljell in 
his "Gertrude," that he was present on the occasion of the massacre. On this 
point see my father's "History of Wyoming" and "Brant." 

Your obedient .servant, W.\i. L. Stone. 

I should be greatly obliged if you would kindly send me a pajjer with the 
speeches, etc. 

Hon. Ci. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From the Speaker of the H. of R. of Pennsylvania. 

Allegheny, May 30, 1878. 
My Dear Sir— I am in receipt ot your very kuid invitation to visit Wyoming 
and Wilkes-Barre on the occasion of the lOOth anniversary of the Battle and 
Massacre of Wyoming. Please accept niy thanks for the same, with the promise 
that I shall endeavor to be present on the interesting occasion, and participate 
in the celebration of that noted historical event. 

Very truly yours, H. M. Long. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



CORRKSPONDENCE. 2/9 

From the Editor of the Philadelphia "Times." 

Philadeli'HIa, May 28. 
J/r Deal' Sir — I have your kind invitation to attend the Wyoming Centen- 
nial, and will do so with threat pleasure, health perniittintj. 

Respectfully, A. K. McClvrk. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, Chaumian, etc. 



From Prof. Thacher, of Yale. 

New Havp:x, Conn., May 21, 1878. 

My Dear Sir— I thank you for your complimentary invitation to attend the 
celebration of the anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming. It is an attrac- 
tive invitation ; but the state of my health does not permit me to promise to 
avail myself of it. Very respectfully, Thomas A. Thacher. 

Hon. Ct. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From Prof. Hubbard, of Yale. 

^'AI,^: Cou.KGE, New Haven, June 15, 1878. 
Afy Dear .%•— In acknowledging the polite invitation of your commutee to 
attend the Centennial celebration of the Battle of Wyoming, July 3d, 1878, I 
have to say that I expect to be absent in Europe at that time, otherwise it 
would afford me pleasure to accept the invitation with thanks. 

Respectfully your.s, Stephen C H' iiuard, M. I). 

Hon. C M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 

From Col. Mallery, of the U. S. Army. 

Washington, D. C, June 4, 1878. 
Aly Dear Sir — I have the honor and plea-ure to acknowledge the receipt of 
your invitation to the ceremonies attending the looth anniversary of the Battle 
and Massacre of Wyoming, and nothing but duties now unexpected shall pre- 
vent my presence. The accident of my birth in the Valley excites my interest 
in the occasion far less than the prominent connection with it of life-long 
friends, while my recent official researches into Indian history, &c., will as.sisl 
in the appreciation of its special features. 

I remain with sincere regard your friend and co-namesake, 

(iAiuucK Mai.lery, Bvt. Lt. Col., U. S. Army. 
Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From the Secretary of the State of New York. 

CoMfi koi.t.er's Oeeice, Alhanv June 17, 1878. 

My Dear .S'/r— Your note of invitation to attend the celebration of the looib 
anniversary of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming is received. 

Official business will prevent my being present, but I hope that tlic celebra- 
tion will pi-ove to be all that its promoters desire. Thanking you for your 
courtesy, I am, Most truly yours. F. P. OlXOTT. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



280 CELKISRATION 

F"rom the Attorney-General of Virginia, 

ArroRMCv Gknkkal's Oiik k, Kiciimomi, May 24, 187S. 
My D:ar S'r -Allow nie to e.\pre>s my L^'rateful tlianks for your invitation 
to attJnd and participate in the looth anniversary of tlie ISattle and Massacre 
of Wyoming, on the 3d day of July next. 

I shall esteeai it not only a great pleasure, but a very high honor, to lie 
present with you upon that interesting occasion, and if my official duties will 
permit I shall testify my appreciation of your kind invitation, and of all that 
is im])lied in the ceremonies, by being personally present with you. 

I have the honor to be very truly )-our obedient servant, 

JAS. Cr. FlKI.l). 

ll;)n. (i. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



I'rom Judge Boggs. 

RiTTANMNC, June 19, 1878. 
A/,' Deal- .SV;'— I sincerely thank you, and the committee of which you are 
Chairman, for your very kind invitation requc>iing me to l.c pre'-ent on the 3d 
ami .jtli of [uly, 1878, at the celebration of tlie lOOth anniversary of the Battle 
and massacre of Wyoming. I siiall lie with you if health jierniits, and 1 as 
sure you it will give me extreme jdeasure in taking ])art in celebrating an 
ancient battle in which the honored dead loved freedom more than life. 

Vours with kindest regards, Jackson I>(h;(,s. 

Hon. (1. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From a Candidate for Governor. 

Lkwimu'kg, June 3, 1878. 
My Dear Sir—\ have your favor in\iting me to attend the Centennial cele 
bration of the Battle of Wyoming. 

1 expect to be present and desire to express my obligations for the imltaiion 
and for tlie kind manner in which you have extended it. 

Yours truly, -A. H. I Mil.. 

Hon. C. M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



1 lom Prof. Loomis, of Yale. 

\'.\Lii Coi.i.KCK, May 27, 1878. 

M\) D'fir Sir I iiave received xourletu-r announcing the proposed celelira- 

tion of the looth anmversar)' of the Massacre of \\\oming, and inviting me to 

participate in the ceremonies. I feel a deep interest in the event whit ii you 

propose to com inemorate, but my |irevious engagements will probably render 

It impossible for me to be jircsent with you on the 3d of uly. 

V()ur.> truly, Ki.lAS I.ojMis. 

Hon. (j. M, i larding. ('Iiairman, etc. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 28 [ 

From Samuel G. Williams. 

CoLCHKSTER, CoNN. May 17, 1S78. 
My Dear Sir — Please accept my hearty thanks for your very polite invitation 
to attend the lOOth anniversary of that clay of sorrows, July 3d, 1778, in Wyo- 
niing. It would afford me much ]ileasure to be present; but will not I fear, be 
practicable. I trust the day and the transactions will be all the committee 
could desire. 

Very Respectfully, Samuel (1. Willi.\ms. 

Hon. Garrick M. Hardin'', Chairman, etc. 



From Dr. Wey. 

Elmir.v, N. Y. June 5, 1878. 
Djnr .9/;- —Accept for yourself and your associates in committee, my thanks 
for an invitation to be present at tlie one inindredth anniversary of the Battle 
and Massacre of Wyoniin;^ on the 3d and 4th July next. 

Respectfully &c.. Wm. C. Wey. 

Hoa. Carrick M. Hardini^, Chairman, etc. 



From a Grand Daughter of Col. Z. Butler. 

BiJRE.\u OF Education, 
Washington U. C. May 27, 1878. 
Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Shiras owe many thanks to Judge Harding and his 
foUow-committeemen for the kind invitations seat them to be present at the 
anniversary of the Battle of Wynanng. Mrs. S. hopes to have the pleasure of 
being present to commemorate an event in which her grandfather had so prom- 
inent a place. But whetlier lier husl)and's duties will allow liim also to appear, 
is yet, to his regrets, extremely doul)tful. 
Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From G. M. Beebe, Member of Congress 

House of Rei^resent-atives. 

Washington, D. C, June 10, 1S78. 
Dc-nr Sir — I acknowledge with thanks your invitation to attend the One 
Hundredth anniversary of -the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, to be observed 
at Wilkes-Barre on the 3d of July next. I very much regret that duties here 
will detain me so long as to render it impossible for me to meet with you on the 
interesting occasion indicated. Be good enough to express to your a.ssociates 
my very high appreciation of their favor, and accept personally the assurances 
of my highest regards. 

Very Truly Yours, G. M. Beehe. 

Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



282 CKLKBKATION'. 

From Old Connecticut. 

JlAKii'dKn, Cc'NN. May, i8, 1878, 
Di-ar S/'r—l have received tlie circular and invitation regardinj^ tlie centen- 
nial commemoration at Wilkes- Harre, July 3d 1878. It well not he convenient 
for me to attend, but I am pleased to see the lathers thus honored for their ser- 
vices and sufferings, and hope that the enieiprise, of such touching anil roman- 
tic, as will as patriotic interest, will he most auspiciously consummated to the 
satisfaction of its worthy projectors. 

Yours, Respectfully, O. E. DA(K;t;i r. 

Hon. Ciarrick M. Harding. Chnirmnn. etc. 



Frjm the Easton Grays. 

HkAIX^HAUIKRS, E.\ST0N GuAVS, COMI'ANY "f." 

Foi'Krii Ri-.i-.iMic.NT, N. G., Siaie of Pennsvi.vama, 

Kaston, I'a., June 11, 1878. 
Djnr Sir — It is with sincere regret that Co. "F, " (Kas:on Grays) are 
compelled to decline your invitation. Otir Company was organized on the 3d 
day of July 1873, and consequently the coaiing 3d is our 5th anniversary. Uur 
friends and the Company itself, have already made very extensive arrange- 
ments towards celebrating it in a worthy style, and thua necessitates our declin- 
ing. 

Very Respectfully, J. W. I'"i,Ai), Sect'y Easton Grays. 

Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chairman, etc. 



From Prof. Twitchell of Yaie. 

Hakikorii, Conn. June 3d, 1878. 
Dt<ir Sir — I arn truly obliged for the invitation I have received to the cen- 
tennial celebration to be held the 3d and 4th prox. I am not, however, able to 
accept it. 

Yours, Very Truly, J. H. Twuchell. 

Hon. Garrick M. Harding, Chr.irnan, etc. 



From a Philadelphia Banker. 

The Commercial Nationai. Bank of Penn'a. 
I'liii.ADEi.PiiiA, June 10, 1878. 
Afy Dear Sir — I have delayed answering the invitation you were kind to 
send me, hoping as we "neared" the time, I might be able to get away, but 
am sorry now to say, shall not be able to accept your polite invitation. 

Respectfully, Yours, James L. Claghorn, 

G. M. Harding, Elsq., Chairman, ets. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 283 

Fro n a State S3 lator. 

T.ock-IIavkn', June Sth, 1S7S. 
Hon. (laiTick M. Hardin;^ and others. 

G-'ntlem.'ii —I havii had the hoiiar to receive your very courteous invitation to 
participate in th; anniversary exercises of the Battle and Massacre of Wyom- 
ing;. Permit mi t::> e^pres-; my de2[) interest on the occasion, for, in what heart 
has nrjt Wya -niu '^ aa I h:;r dijJs of h );nr and herjis n touched a ch jhI? Nearly 
thirty years a^o I visited your historic sjene-;, and ])ut in print my youn,j im- 
pressions. Now it will be a real pleasure to me to call up the emotions of 
earlier years, and lilend theai uji an the same scenes, with the enjoyment I shall 
find in the sa:;iety of descendants, soaie ot whom I know anil have learned to 
value as friends. 

Gentlemen, I respectfully accept, and unless j^revented by some matter be 
yond my control, will be one of the throng to echo the cry, "c;/. Stanly 011^ 
Very Respectfully, S. R. Pkai.K. 

From Cj . Bonnaffon. 

C.M'K May Citv, N. J., June i5ih, 1878. 
lion. (".. M. Hardiii'^, Chairman of Committee of arrangements. 

IloiiorjbL; Sir -On behalf of the ex-officers of the late 20th Re^t. N. G. P. 
I accept your kind invitation for July 3d and 4th at the Wyoming Celebration, 
and will endeavor to notify as many of the oflicers as possible, to be present at 
that time. 

Very Respectfully, S. BoNiNafi'o.n, Jr. 

From Judge Hall*. 

Eciidval;:, nkar Hkdford, Pa., June 7, 1878. 
My D.iir .S"';- — I have your courteous invitation of the 1st ultimo to partici. 
pate on the 3d pro.\. in the cele!)ration of the centennial anniversary of the 
Massacre of Wyoming. It will give me great pleasure to do so if nothing in- 
tervenes to prevent. 

Vours, Truly, Wm. M. Hall. 

To Judge Harding, W'llkesbarre. 

Better late than never. 

I'lrrsi'.LMu;, Pa., 11 September, 1878. 
ilfy D.'iir y d;;.' -An all Summer absence abroad, from which 1 only return- 
ed last night, I regret to say, prevented my complying with the re([uest of your 
committee to participate with your numerous invited guests and selves in cele- 
brating the One Hundredth anniversary of the Massacre of Wyoming. I can 
only hope, as I have no doubt you had, "a good lime generally." If you had 
not, It certainly would be the fault of your hospitable people, as I iiear and 
know of them. May I beg you will commend me most kindly to Judge Dana 
and General Hoyt; and believe me dear Judge, 

Sincerely, yours, John M. KiLrATRiCK. 

Hon. Garriek M. Harding, Cliairman, Wilkesbarre. 



284 CELKBRATIONT. 

From a New York Lawyer. 

No. 12 Wai.1. St. N. V., June 5, 1S7S- 
Hon. Ganick M. HarclinL,s and Gentlemen of tiie Committee on invitations. 

Gentlemen — I am to-day honored by your invitation to be present at youC 
centenary on 3d pro.K. I shall be only too happy to leave the many engrossing 
engagements of a busy lawyer life, to enal)le me to participate. 1 look forward 
to it with a double interest, both from pleasant memories of my visits to your" 
beautiful vale, as well as in the e.xpected enactment of a thrilling drama of a 
ruthless tragedy whose only issue was fraught with so much .solid good, that 
many who sowed in tears, returned bearing with joy their sheaves of plenty. 

Trusting that your present patriotic effort may be a complete success, and 
that after successive generation;*, the next Centenary may lind your city tlie 
. great Metropolis of the mineral wealth of the Su.-quehanna: in that event, may 
we not hope that they who shall then occupy your.places, will equally guard 
the Sacred ashes and adore the memories of those who laid down their lives on 
your consecrated soil, that it might remain an inheritance ft revtr to their childien 
and a tomb to all \\-\€\x genei-ations, bringing forth in large harvest the sturdy 
virtues of the Sires who long since dwelt therein. 

Accept my sincere thanks, and believe me with real respect and regard. 

Yours, KoBT. Dodge. 

The following were received by Judge Dana, Chairman of the Committee on 
orations and poems, from eminent poets, divines and others. 
From Bayard Taylor^ 

Pennsvi-va.ma's Favorite Poet. 

New Yoi^K, June 28, 1878. 

Dear Sir — I am obliged to your Committee for the compliment implied in 
selecting my name. But both as an American and a Penn.sylvanian, I have 
already performed my share in the commemoration of this centennial period. 
The preparation of a poem for a special occasion is the hardest task which can 
fall to any author — and the moit thankless; for wh le, it is next to impossible 
to produce a good poem to order, the public is never satisfied with less than the 
best. I do not think that the circumstances of my having given the National 
ode, at Philadelphia, should make me liable for all the odes in the century — 
it ought rather to relieve me of any further duty of the kind. But I have been 
compelled to decline invitations from Saratoga, Bennington, Germantown, 
Oriskany, Brandywine and many other places, and therefore cou'd not with 
propriety accept yours to Wyoming. 

I trust that you will understand my feelings in this matter, and the absolute 
necessity of my adopting a resolution which compels me to disappoint you. 
Very Respectfully Yours, Bay.^rd T.vvlor. 

Hon. E. L. Dana. 



From the author of "Hiawatha," 

Cambridge, June 7th, 1878. 
Dear Sir — It would give me great pleasure to comply with your recjuest if 



CORRESPONDENCE. 285 

it were in 1113- power; hiU my engagements are so numerous and pressing that 
it is absolutely impossible for me to undertake anything new. 

Regretting that I cannot meet your wishes, and those of the other gentlemen 
of your committee. 

I am my dear sir, Yours, Very Truly, Henry W. Longfellow. 

Hon. E. L. Dana. 



From the Great Quaker Poet. 

Oak Knoll, Danvers, Mass., ist. Mo. 17, 1878. 
Hon. E. L. Dana. 

D:ar Sir —\ thank thee, and through thee the committee, of which thou art 
Chairman for tl e invitation, to write something for the coming celehraiion of 
the Wyoming Tragedy. 1 must however decline it, as I have done many sim- 
ilar requests for the past year, owing to the state of my health, which will not 
admit of any serious mental tasks. 

It has been a long desire of mine to visit your beautiful Valley, classic in ihe 
verse of Campbell; but I fear I may not be able to realize it. 

Truly Thy Friend, John G. Wiiittier. 

From Gen. Hawley, President of the International 
Exhibition of 1876. 
United St,\tes Centennial Commission. 
Office of the President, Hartford, May 2, 1878. 
Djar Sir—\ am really sorry that I cannot be with you on your "Centennial 
of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming." It is well to Celebrate the anniver- 
saries of such battles, and to make mention often of the heroes of those old 
days, for only thus can we hope to have heroic Spirits in our own day. And so 
I am sorry not to add one to the number who will crowd your lovely Valley on 
that day. 

Before this reaches you, I shall be on my way to Europe, on business which 
must detain me there several months. 

Sincerely and Respectfully, Yours, JosEl'H R. Havvlev. 



From Bishop O'Harra. 

Scranton, June 13, 1878. 
Hon. Judge E. L, Dana. 

Dear Sir — I returned to Scranton yesterday, and found your letter of invita- 
tion to be present at the celebration of the looth anniversary of the Battle and 
Massacre of W^yoming. I would be much pleased to take part in the ceremony 
for that occasion, the memory of which should be cherished most affectionately 
by all good citizens, and most sacredly handed down to posterity. But my ap- 
pointments for the current year do not lea\Te me free to accept. I will be absent 
until the middle of ne.xt July. Please accept my cordial thanks for yourself 
and also present the same to the gentlemen of the Committee for this mark of 
regard which I consider paid, not only to myself personally, but also to that 
body of citizens, which I, in my official capacity i)efore the entire community 
in many respects represent. 

Very Respectfully, Yours, etc., William O'Harra. 

Bishop of Scranton. 



ANNIVERSARY, 



1 ^ ^--^^^^ 




REUNIONS. 



N N ACCORDANCE with a resolution here- 
tofore passed, a special meeting of the As- 
■ sociation was held June 8th 1879, ^'^'' '^'^'^ 
\^,' ^^ purpose of arrangint^ a program for the loist 

'' '4ii'4^ .-->=-. -I i/^ in niv^ersary. Ciiarles Dorrance, President, 
'chE^'''^- called the meeting to order and explained 
"^^l^ the object of the call ; whereupon, on mo- 

tion of Dr. Hakes it was 

Resolved, That we will meet at the Monument on the 
3d da)- of July next, at lo o'clock A. M., and there par- 
take of a dinner to be provided for the occasion ; and that 
a committee of three be appointed to make the necessary 
arrangements. 

The chair appointed Messrs. Hakes, Jenkins and Coray 
to constitute such committee. 
On motion of Mr. Jenkins it was 

Resolved, That we extend a general invitation to all 
who have sympathised with us, and who aided us in our 
last year's memorial, to unite with us on the same terms 
as members of the Association; and that the members of 
the Association be requested to bring with them the lady 
members of their families, and such friends as the\' shall 
desire to introduce on the occasion. 
On motion of Dr. Hollister, 



AT THE MONUMENT. 287 

Rexoli'fd, That this Association, or as many of its 
members as can mal-:e it convenient so to do, will attend 
the Cliemung Centennial at Ehnira, on the 29th of August 
next, and that all who intend going", signify the same at 
the 3d of Jul)' meeting. 

On motion of Rev. Abel Barker. 

R('soli-cd, That we humbly acknowledge our gratitude 
to Almighty (jod for his inhnite merc\' in thus far pre- 
serving the live.^ of the members of this Association, and 
permitting them to enjo)- the blessings of a healthful 
exercise of both mental and bodily condition. 

And be it hu'ther. 

Reso/vfd, That in the event of a death occurring among 
the members of the Association, between any of the an- 
nul reunions, as hereinaftei" provided for, that at the next 
meeting a short obituary address on the life and charac- 
ter of the deceased, shall be prepared and read by some 
one of the survi\ing members. 

Resolved, That the original members of this Associ- 
ation will meet at ihe W\oming Monument on the morn- 
ing of each recurring T^d of July, while an\- of their num- 
ber shall live, there to renew their devotion to the memory 
of the men and women of 1778, by keeping alive the spirit 
that a6luated us in the year 1878, and to enjoy a social 
repast, to be prepared as i)rovided for in IJr. Hakes' 
resolution. 

Mr. Barker said it is expe<5led that the citizens through- 
out the valley will displa}- their flags at half-staff in honor 
of the first anniversary meeting, in this the beginning of 
the second century after the Battle and Massacre, and 
at each succeeding anniversary thereafter, antl it is hoped 
that the custom may be kept up by succeeding gen- 
erations until the morning of the 200th year may 
again call the people t(} meet at this sacred fane, 
as they did in the year 1878, to do homage to the 
noble dead of Wyoming's bloody day. The annual 
meetings of the survivors of the Association, he could not 



288 REUNION. 

regard but with feelings of mournful anticipation. We 
are nearl)' all of us men bordering on the middle age of 
life, some perhaps having passed the allotted three score 
years and ten vouchsafed by God unto his creatures. It 
must inevitably come in the nature of things, and that 
at no very distant d?y, that some, in fact all of us will be 
called away to render an account of our stewardships 
here on Earth, and it is with feelings of sadness with 
which I look forward to the time when the last man, old, 
tottering and infirm, shall assemble himself in the shadow 
of the monument, on some hot July morning a few years 
hence to partake of his lonely meal and pay a final trib- 
ute to the memory of his departed associates. 

At the suggestion of Mr. Barker, and on motion of 
Gen. Dana, it was ordered. That a committee of three, 
to be appointed by the chair, be selected to prepare a 
plan of permanent organization for the Association, which 
committee was requested to report at the openmg of the 
meeting on the 3d. 

The chair appointed Messrs Dana, Jenkins and Johnson 
to constitute such committee. 

Adjourned to meet at the monument at 10 A. M. July 
3d 1879. 



AT TEIE MONUMENT. 

At 10,30 o'clock A. M., Col Dorrance called the meet- 
ing to order. 

Rev. K. H. Snowden made an able and appropriate 
invocation to the Throne of Grace for a blessing upon the 
people there assembled, and for the Divine favor to rest 
upon the cause of thus patriotically honoring the memory 
of the dead. A volunteer chorus of ladies and gentle- 
men, ne.xt sang the patriotic air of "The Star Spangled 
Banner," after which Judge Dana took his station upon 
the steps of the monument and delivered the following 



.\r THIi MONUMENT. 289 

chaste and eloquent address, as a review and sequel to 
tiic memorial exercises of the preceding;- \-ear: 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen.— - 

Oiie year a<^^o this day marked the close of a century 
since the fathers of \\^\-oming' i^ave their lives on this 
plain, in defence of their loved ones at home. It was 
proper th.at an anniversary of such interest, should be 
observed witli ever\- mark of veneration which a grateful 
community and nation could bestow. It was proper that 
distinguished representatives of the nation and of the 
state shoidd unite with the citizens of the valley, in hon- 
oring" the memory of tliose whose heroic sacrifices and 
tragic fate, have awakened such wide and enduring in- 
terest. The careful research of the historian was well 
emploxed in the eff. rt to rescue from oblivion, and to 
traU'^mit to coming centuries, ever\' incident in the record , 
of tlieir courage, their endurance and suffering, which 
forms so prominent a ch.apter in the national annals. 
Eloq; ence rdso found on that occasion, a theme worthy 
its power, and with the recurrence of the da_\" and its 
obserx'ance, liencelorth will be indissolubly associated the 
name of our gifted Abbott, whose last public utterances 
in tile Valley of his nativity and of his love, were his 
beautiful tribute on that Centennial afternoon one year 
ago, to the mem()r}' of the heroes and times of '78 Poe- 
try and music also brought their offerings. 

The immense audience which assembled that morning 
long before the opening services, and notwithstanding 
the oppressive heat and dust, gave respeftful attention 
until the closing benediction, showed that a hundred 
years had not dimmed the memory, nor diminished the 
veneration of Wyoming for those whose blood had con- 
secrated her soil. To have suffered that anniversary day 
to pass with'^ut appropriate observances, would have 
been disrespecl to the dead and disgrace to the living. 

But is it not proper, is it not a duty to usher in the 
first \car of a second centurv with commeinorative ser 



200 REUMOX. 

vices? 1 he patriots who sleep I)ene.ith this niomimeiU 
struggled, endured and cUed, not lor one centur\- alone; 
) ( r should the century bound their memories. They 
should not be forgotten while the blessings the\' secured 
lor us are enjo}ed; whilst the lands the_\- rescued from 
solitude and the savage, \ield their increase, or the 
beavitiful river they loved continues to flow. 

In this belief we are assembled here to-da\-, to bring 
to their shrine our annual offering. Reverence for the 
tombs of ancestors is as old as our race. The care, the 
preservation and adorning of the last resting places of 
their dead were lield as religious obligations by the an- 
cients. Outside their houses, near at hand in the field, 
was a tomb, the sacred home of the family. There the 
several generations of ancestors repose together. Death 
wraught no separation. Between the living and the dead 
of a family there were only the few steps that separated 
the house from the tomb. On certain davs fixe 1 for each 
family by their domestic religion, they assembled to brmg 
their offerings, and to repair the resting places of their 
dead. In return they sought and beliexed that they re- 
ceived prote61:ion and aid. A community of interest was 
supposed to e.xist. the living having need of the dead, 
and the dead of the living. We see in their histor\-, in 
the struflure of their language, how much respe6l and 
rtciiirocal affe6lion this belief tended to establish in the 
familw The\' gave to the domestic virtues, the obedi- 
ence of the son to the father, the love which he bore to 
his mother, the attachment of the father and tenderness 
of the mother for the child, the name piety. Whilst we 
do not worship the dead, or invoke their agency in the 
exercise of supernatural powers, we do revere their mem- 
ory and desire to imitate their \irtues, and to profit by 
their example. 

We are met together this morning, on this hallowed 
ground, not for mere display, or to join in mere unmean- 
ing ceremonies, but in grateful remembrance of those who 



AT ITIK MONUMF.Xr 



291 



sowe.l in sorrow that \vc might reap in jow and to lay 
upon this shrine the oi'ferini^s of reverent affecflion. 

The occasion does not require, nor does the brief hour 
aHotted permit, the rehears il of their achievements and 
suffei-ings. The facls have been full\' and faithfully col- 
lected b\' historians, and the stor\- is too deeply traced on 
thj pag-e of memory to be fori^otten. We may, however, 
pause to iiKiLiire what it is that ,^ives to the persons and 
incielents of those times, such vitalitw such enduring 
interest. \Vh_v have their memories survived the absorb- 
ing experience of a hundred \'ears, and of such an hun- 
dred ye irs.' The answer is not found in their sufferings 
alone, nor the tragic fate which overtook them on that 
July afternoon. It is a benign provision that sorrow, 
lilv'c ioy. is not enduring, that over the most poignant 
grief tin^e eventuallv draws the kindly veil of oblivion. 
The memories of that Jul\' da\- are not all sadness; we are 
nf)t here to-d ly wholly as mourners; the shades of those 
heroe-; revisiting this spot, could we see them, have not 
the aspecl of victims, but wear the palms of \'i61ors, of 
tlio^e who conquered even in death. How much more 
re d t!ie life of those who fell that da}' under the tomahawks, 
than of those who, after their carnival of blood, skulked 
avva\', physically unhurt, \et in ,1 death of ignominy and 
shame. 

The lessons we are here to-tiay briefly to review, and 
whi:h gi\'e meaning and point to our reverence, are those 
of courage, persistent endurance, energy, econom}-, inde- 
pendence and self reliance, blended with strengthened 
faith. The earl>' settlers of new lands who form the suh- 
struSlurefor future social developement like the earlier rock 
of oi;r globe, are usually charafterized b\' strength and rug- 
ged simplicity. Their circumstances, all their surround- 
ings and e.vperiences give prominence to the manly 
virtues, and especially to the courage that deliberately 
imi)erils life in defense of countr\' and kindred, the virtue, 
as the word implies, of manhood and manliness. Theirs 



1^)2 RKfJ.VIOX. 

was not mere resentment or resistance to sudden violence, 
attack or insult; no sudden passion that may infuriate 
cowardice into rashness. It was rather, the deliber;ite, 
unselfish, courage, which looking to remote results, to 
good in which they can hardly hope to share, move them 
to renounce the quiet securit\^ of their old homes, to en- 
counter danger, and what is still more trying, to undergo 
ceaseless privation and trial, in building c;f new ones in 
the wilderness tor themselves and posterity, 'i'his is the 
class of men by whom States are founded, th.cir limits 
extended, the rights of life, liberty and property secure,!, 
and the forces of nature subjected to human control. 

It is easy for us to enumerate the results now they 
are accomplished, but we cannot realize full}' the trials, 
the endurance, the exposure b\' which they have been 
attained. Long distances were to be traversed, and sup- 
plies carried through pathless forests; at tlie end oi their 
wearv and perilous journe}', there was no place of needed 
rest and repose; the stern requirement to work and to 
watch hailed their arrival; and with axe in one hand and 
a rifle in the other, they attacked the forest, toiling day 
by day, and sharing in guard duty at night. Nor were 
these severe requirements merely temporary, during an 
existing war, or for an\' definite time, but for and during 
their probable lives. Their enemies too, were formidable 
in numbers, vigilant, stealthy and cruel; against such 
obstacles, such discouragements and foes, the perseve- 
rence shown by the pioneers of Wyoming formed a marked 
trait in their chara6lers. When the rude homes they 
had constru6led, and the crops they had planted, were 
repeatedly destroyed, neither danger nor discouragement 
deterred them from rebuilding and replanting. Strength- 
ened by disaster, rendered fearless by association with 
danger, self reliant and disciplined in defending their 
persons, property and rights against aggression, they 
were amongst the earliest advocates of independence of 
the mother country, and became in proportion to their 
numbers its staunchest defenders. 



■AT THE MONUMENT. 293 

Wliilst laying broad and deep'thc foundation of a prom- 
inent and prosperous community, they did not forget the 
claims of religion, and of education, and made as the 
records show, early and ample provision for the support 
of schools and a Christian Alinisti}-. 

The duties of the hour and place assigned to me to-day 
cannot be discharged in a proper manner without an al- 
lusion at this point, to the women, the wives and mothcis 
of those days. Their bones do not rest under this mon- 
ument, their names are not inscribed on these tablets, 
yet the_\' shared fully in the trials and sufferings, and 
doubl}' in the an.xieties of those times of trial. 1 heir 
anxieties indeed, were multiplied by the number of tencier 
charges to their care. No one can sa\', how mucn of the 
courage of the fathers, was inspired by the heroism of 
the wives and mothers. The matrons of Rome exhibited 
no such fortitude, were subjefi: to no such trials as were 
here daily encountered. Some here present have listened 
to the narratives of daily and nightl}' alarm, to which they 
were exposed, }'et tradition and imagination fail to pre 
sent the full measure of their trials. What volumes of 
thrilling experience were buried in their now forgotten 
graves! 

Fclhnv citirjois — Shall not each recurring 3d of July be 
suitably observed during the centur)- upon which we have 
entered.' Shall not the names, the virtues, the example 
and sacrifices of the pioneers of Wyoming be kept in 
grateful remembrance.-" 

To aid in effefting these obje<5ls, a committee appointed 
for that purpose, have prepared the following plan for a 
permanent organization, which I beg leave to present 
to your consideration and acceptance. 

THE PLAN. 

Your committee recommend — 

First. That an Association be formed to be designa^ 
ted the Wj'oming Commemorative Association. 



294 KiaiNION. 

Scco/i(L That it shall consist of such officers and mem- 
bers of committees, lieretofore appointed and chari^ed with 
the duties of commemoraiing', on the 3d of July 1878, the 
one luindreth anniversary of the l^attle and Massicre of 
Wyoming. July 3d 1778, and such descendants of parti- 
cipants in the Battle, and of Pioneers of the Valley, as 
may signify their desire to join the Association by sub- 
scribing these articles. 

Third. This Association shall meet on the third of 
July of each year, or when the 3d occurs on Siuida)', on 
the preceding Saturday, at the monument grounds, or at 
such other place as the Association shall designate, and 
shall also meet at other times upon call ot the President. 

Fourth. The officers of this Association shall consist 
of one President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer and 
Secretarx', to be chosen annualh' b\' the members of the 
Association, not in arrear for dues. 

Fifth. The objefts of this Association are to col leer and 
preserve the fafts, traditions and incidents relating to 
the early history of Wyoming; to perpetuate the mem- 
ory of the services and suffering of her pioneers, and thus 
aid in inspiring emulation of their examples. 

Sixth. The officers of this Association shall constitute 
an E.xecutive Committee, who shall meet at least one 
month prior to the 3d of July in each year, and prepare 
a plan of the order of exercises for the ensuing anni\er- 
sary, and give notice of the same. 

Sc-i'ciith. The annual dues to be paid in advance by 
each inember of the Association shall be one dollar, to 
be appropriated to defray the expense of publishing, in 
permanent form, the proceedings of the annual meetings 
of the Association, and for such other purposes as shall 



AT THK MONUMENT. 295 

he designated I:))' the I'.xecutive Committee: all of whieh 

is re spefl fully submitted. 

EDMUND L. DANA. 
WESLEY JOHNSON, 
STICUI^EN JENKINS, 

Wyoming Jui.v 3d 1879, Committee.^ 

The report was unanimously adopted. 

Among other citizens who had taken and aflive ])art 
in the centennial services of 1878, there were present at 
the monument, Hon. L. D. Shoemaker, Dr. H. Hakes 
who delivered one of his characleristically elocjuent ad- 
dresses, Calvin Parsons who lead in the vocal music, 
George Coray, Steuben Jenkins, Col. Charles Dorrance 
President of the Association from the beg'inning-, Wesley 
Johnson, Secretary, Rev. E. H. Snowden, James P. Ath- 
erton. Rev. Abel Barker, Dr. W. H. I^radlex- of the /wvyvv/ 
of the Tiiirss, John P^sp\-, Bradley Smith, Rev. E. B. 
Hodge, John B. Smith, R. J. Wisner, Abram Lines. James 
A. Gordon, John Welles Hollenback, Edward Welles, Rev. 
H. H. Welles, Capt. Chester Tuttle, PLlisha Blackman, 
Payne Pe.ltebone. Hubbard W. Payne, Charles A Miner, 
His I'ixcellenc}' Henry M. Hoyt, Governor of the Com- 
monwealth, Gen. John 1*". Hartranft PLx-(iovernor, Dr. 
H. Hollister, P). H. Pratt of the Sci-antoii RcpiiblkaJi ^ 
C. L A. Chapman, Miss, Susan \\. Dickinson, &c. 

The mornint^ exercises closed by singing "Americ.i' 
and a Benediction b}* Rev. F. B. Hodge. 

The people then repaired to the Wyoming Hotel where 
about one hundreci sat down to a spLMidid repast pre- 
pared by Col. Laycock. 

The first toast, "The United States", was responded to 
by Gen. Hartranft, as he being Post master of Philadel- 
])hia was a proper representative of the United States 
Government to speak in behalf of the whole country. 
The General said it would suit him better to speak later 
in the exercises, and being called upon at short notice he 



296 REUNION. 

did not know what response to make, and as his friend 
Ueneral Iloyt had superceded him in the Gubernatorial 
office, he thought the best thing he could do was to step 
down and out and let the Governor respond to the sec- 
ond sentiment — the Commonwealth ot Pennsylvania. 

(lovernor Hoyt made a few offhand remarks and some 
happy hits, retiring in good order from the contest of wit 
an i sentiment, which seemed to be the ruling spirit 
of the hour. 

George R. Bedford Esq., in a carefully prepared speech 
responded to the fifth sentiment, and Dr. Hollister gave 
some interesting fafts relative to the history of Luzerne 
County. Steuben Jenkins, in his pains taking way re- 
viewed the subject of the Wyoming Prisoners. 

John P2spy and Abel Barker, each in his place delight- 
C-! tlie guests for a short time. 

Stanley Woodward got off some good things in his 
after dinner st\de of oratory, and Dr. Hakes amused the 
people for a few minutes in his hard headed common 
sense way. 

]-'ayne Pettebone gave a brief and concise history of 
the Wyoming monument, from the time of finding the 
place where the bodies of the slain were first interred, in 
1832, down to the present, all of which he saw and part 
of \vhich he was. 

Mr. I lenry 11. Welles spoke in behalf of the clergy, and 
Mr. Wesley Johnson for the press as follows: 

I feel honored by your preference in sele6ling me to 
respond to the sentiment, 'The Press," but I fear I shall 
reflect but small honor on the profession by the few and 
crude remarks I shall have to make in its behalf. If you 
had before you some one of the distinguished gentlemen 
of the great Metropolitan Journals of the countr}% he 
might justly claim your attention, and you would listen 
to hini with pleasure, and I doubt not with profit; but I 



AT THE MONUMENT. 29/ 

feel tliat the best service I could render \'ou would be to 
stop where I am; besides I am not vain enough to claim 
a very close fellowship with the honored fraternity of 
editors. But since vou have invited me to the task, it 
would be churlish in me not to attempt to sa>' a few 
words on the subject. 

The triumph of mind over mere brute force is happily 
put. in the well known e.Kpression attributed to the Great 
Cardinal of France, where the dramatist makes him to 
say that "In a nation Supremely great, the pen is might- 
ier than the sword," and if we but substitute the word 
"Press" for pen, we will more full\- comprehended the 
force of this grand utterance The word pen has a poetic 
fitness of name and origin to its office, and it was emi- 
nently proper for the Prince Cardinal to apply it in that 
connexion, as in the language of old Rome we have the 
word penna, a quill or feather, and a feather plucked from 
a gray goose's wing, was the onI\' instrument by which 
our forefathers, before the age of printing from types, 
were enabled to communicate their thoughts, in the 
spreading of light and knowledge throughout the world. 
And as the pen is but the instrument to register the in- 
spirations of genius, so. the press is but a more perfeft 
mechanical combination, to multiplw ten million times, 
it may be, the power of extension to the thoughts of the 
great master minds, that are to-day, moulding senti- 
ments for good or evil, in all ci\'ilized nations of the 
Earth. To-day, we behold the speftacle of the Autocrat 
of all the Russias, the proud despot, who by the law of 
his realm, holds absolute power over the li\'es and liber- 
ties of his millions of subjecls, protected as he is b)- his 
grand army, trembling on his throne, before the unseen 
but potent printing press, which scatters the dreaded Ni- 
hilistic appeals to the down trodden people, now strug- 
gling for a more free and enlightened form of government 
as lavishly, but mysteriousl)' and silently, as the snow- 
flakes that fall upon their rude dwellings in the darkness 
of their long winter nights. 



298 RKUNION. 

Tyrants in all countries have feareti the Press, and 
endeavored by restri6live laws to render it subser\ient 
to their own corrupt use ; but in England and Free 
Ameiica, where the people through their representati\-es 
rule, all c}uestions of public polic\', and the acts of all 
public servants can be discussed without let or hin- 
drance ; and it is only when some unworthy member of 
the profession seeks tc:) lay before the public false accusa- 
tions against the public or private citizen, that his licen- 
tiousness is condemned by the law of the land. 

The influence of the i)ress, particularly in a countr\' 
like ours, is almost incalculable ; it is the might}' lever 
that mo\es the destinies of the world. An ancient 
heathen mathematician and philosopher said of mechani- 
cal power, given a fulcrum on which to rest his engine, and 
it would be possible to multiply leverage that would 
move the solid earth. We have that fulcrum established 
in the education of the masses of the people, and the 
ver\' foundations of the world of thought, on subje61:s 
political and s])iritual, are being moved from their solid 
places b}' the power of the press. The orator in pulpit 
or forum, may swa\' his thousands b}' the power of his 
burning eloquence, but the editor has his millions for an 
audience ; and whatsoever the united press of the coun- 
try would build up, that shall be exalted ; and whatso- 
ever it would pull down, that will be abased. The 
majorit}' of mankind are too busy or too indolent to 
think for themselves, and are content that others should 
do it for them, and the utterances put forth during the 
last Quarter of a centur\' in the great metropolitan 
journals, by a Greelex', a Bennett, a Raymond, a Mc 
Michael and hundreds of others of lesser note in the 
world of journalistic fame, have been more potent in 
the formation of a national sentiment in our people, than 
all the orations and sermons, as such, that have been 
spoken since the "Mayflower" landed her first Pilgrims 
on Plvmouth Rock, 



AT THli MONUMENT. 



299 



l^ut in order that the world may be made better, and 
not worse b\- so powerful an instrument in the hand of 
man, it is essential that journalists should be men of 
pure morals and endowed with a sense of lofty patriotism. 
It is not to be supposed that men of the hit^hest intel- 
leftual attainments ma\' not some times err in judg- 
ment ; that their conclusions ma\' not some times be 
erroneous ; and there are questions upon which men may 
honestly dilTer in th.eir opinions, and it is for time alone 
of demonstrate the truth of the matter under discussion. 
In this, as in all other professions and callings, there are 
grades of respeclability in the members, and while liberty 
of the Press to print all matters necessary for the people, 
should be preserved inviolate, the licentiousness of the 
Press, and the mendacit\- of unprinciple scribblers, should 
be sternly rebuked and punished if need be by the strong 
arm of the law. The liberty of the Press is the /Egis of 
popular libert}', Init the licentiousness of the Press is 
moral death to society. I trust that the people of these 
free United States will ever preserve, protect and cherish 
the one as carefull}-, as the>' sternl\' and promptly rebuke 
the other. 

Mr. C. I. A. Chapman replied in an eloquent manner 
to the sentiment, Wyoming, after which the Chairman 
Col. Dorrance. declared the exercises of the re-union 
closed. 



ANNIVERSARY. 




SECOND REUNION. 



|VHE ASSOCIATION met on the 22d of 
I May. 1880, under a call by the president. 
Col. Dorrance called the meeting to 
■order, and in a \c\v well put observations 
explained J.he obje6l of this meeting to 
be to arrange the preliminaries for our 
ne.\t meeting on the 3d of Jul}-. After arranging for 
the I02d anniversary meeting as follows : 

That the services of our ne.xt meeting conform as nearlv' 
as may be to those observed last year, and that the same 
rules regarding the dinner and refreshments be observed. 
On motion, adjourned to assemble again on Saturday the 
26th of June, inst. 

The Association met agreeabl)- to adjournment at 
Court Room No. i, at lO o'clock A. M. There were pres- 
ent Charles Dorrance Presitient, Weslej- Johnson Secre- 
tary, L. D. Shoemaker Treasurer; and the following mem- 
bers: Steuben Jenkins. Dr. H HoUister, Calvin Parsons, 
E. L. Dana, Dr. H. Hakes. George Coray, Pa) ne Pette- 
bone, E. G. Buttler. James A. Gordon and Marx Long. 

Dr. Hakes suggested that as this Association is not 
expe6led to die out with the passing away of its present 
members, that a rule be adopted that each member, 
during his life, may name a suitable person to be hi^ suc- 
cessor; if none be named, the Association to fill the va- 
cancy by appointment. Judge Dana moved to amend 



AT rUF. MONUMENT. 3OI 

by authorizing the President to name a committee of 
tiiree to report a plan to perpetuate the organization, 
with a view to keeping it ahve until the bi-centennial of 
the Battle and Massacre, if possible. Dr. Hollister ap- 
proved of Judge Dana's motion, but moved to postpone 
any a6lion in the matter, with the view of first obtaining 
an order of court, under authority (tf law, making this 
Association a body corporate. Dr. Hakes seconded this 
motion, whereupon it was adopted, and the chair ap- 
pointed Messrs Dana, Hakes and Jenkins to constitute such 
committee on corporation. 

Mr. Jenkins reported the proposed order of exercises 
and the meeting adjourned to meet at the foot of the 
monument on Saturday next, July 3d, that being the I02d 
anniversary of the Battle and Massacre. 

MEETING .\T THE MONUMENT. 

On the morning of July 3d the air was cool and bracing, 
and in this respecl very different from that of the great 
centennial year. The flag staff and the monument were 
dressed in the identical centennial buntingof 1878, and 
the monument was decked in evergreens, flowers and 
sheaves of ripened wheat, when at i i o'clock Col. Dor- 
rance called the meeting to order, and invited Rev. H. 
H. Welles to open the exercises with pra)-er; after which 
"America" was sung by a chorus of young lady voices 
assisted by Messrs Jenkins and Parsons. Col. Dortancc 
made one of his happy impromptu addresses as an open- 
ing to the exercises. 

Rev. Andrew Brydie, of Pleasant Valley, made a short 
address, during which he said he could hardly be expe6l- 
ed to feel in these matters the same degree of enthusiasm 
as animated the hearts of the immediate descendants of 
the colonists who fell here in 1778, being himself a loyal 
subjecl of Queen Vi6loria, b\' the grace of God, ruler of 
Great Britain. But being a dweller in this i'vee and hap- 



302 SKCOiND REUNION. 

py land, he respected its institutions and the cherished 
objefts of memor\- of the people, and next to his t)\vn 
bonnie Scotland, he regarded America as the fairest land 
that ever the Sun shone on. He sai.l, that in tiie Prov- 
idence of God, England and America were destined to 
give language to, and shape the institutions of the , 
world. 

Dr. Makes, being called upon, said, he knew not what 
better to .say on this occasion than to read the inscription 
written in enduring marble on the tablet set up in one of 
the sides of this plain pillar of stone before us; it reads: 
"Near this spot was fought, on the alternoon of Friday, 
the third day of Jul)', 1778, the Battle of Wxoming, in 
which a small band of Americans, with a courage that 
deserved success, boldly met, and bravely fought, a com- 
bined British, Tory and Indian force of thrice their num- 
ber. Numerical superiority alone gave success to the 
invader, and wide-spread havoc, desolation and ruin, 
marked his savage and bloody footsteps through the 
valley. This m inuniint, commemorative of tiiese evjn:s, 
and of the aftors in them, has been creeled over the 
bones of the slain, by their descendents and others, who 
gratefully appreciated the services and sacrifices of their 
patriotic ancestors." This, my friends, tells the whole 
story, and we have come here to-day to gratefully re- 
member the ser\ices and sacrifices of the ancestors of many 
I see aroimd me — not m}' ancestors, for I am not de- 
scended from these brave men, anci am content to count 
niNself among the "others" as written in the inscrii)tion 
from wliich I have just repeated the story. But I am of 
bur common countrx', and partake some ofthe glor\', and 
I have come here to-day to do my share in helping to 
keepali\'e an interest in this da\-,upon this hallowed spot, 
and while I live I am going, to keep doing it, and I am 
glad to see around me so many who are not wholl\' un- 
mindful ofthe p^ast, and can devote one day intherolling 
year to honor the memory of their ancestorson this blood 



AT TllK MONUMENT. 



303 



Stained iielcl. l^ut as there are other L^entlemen who 
have come here prepared to give you a better speech 
than I am capable of, I will now give way for my friend 
Mr. Ma\den, who is no doubt charged to the muzzle with 
historic facts. 

Rev. H. E. Hayden after some perliminary remarks as 
an off set to Dr. Hakes" humorous conclusion said, "My 
friends, I hearlilv congratulate you upon the public spirit 
which has led \()ii to commemorate the event of the 3d 
of Jul}-, i/JcS, and to recall to the minds of their decen- 
dants the heroism of those whose struggle for all that 
makes life v.'orth li\ing, was so brave \-et so ajoparentlv 
unsuccessful. If I have a suggestion to make it is, that 
\'('U perpetuate this commemoration by making such 
arrangements for its continuance annuall)', that it sliall 
not become a forgotten fact. 

Some of >'Ou ma\- have read Miller's Historv' of Swit- 
zerland. If so, you will remember how just five hundred 
}"ears ago next Frida}-, on 'the 9th of July, i3<So, the Swiss 
army engaged in deadly comba.t with the army of Aus- 
tria, and won the independence of that glorious Republic 
which lies the only oasis of liberty in the midst of a 
Sahara of despotism. For some time that day the bat- 
tle was doubtful ; the long lances of the Austrians frus- 
trated ever}' effort of the Swiss to break their ranks. 
When many patriots had fallen, a noble Knight named 
Arnold Von X'^^'nkelreid cried out to his companions: 
''Faithful, dear confederates ! — think of my famil}- — I 
will make a way for you !'" — Then rushing on the line of 
.the enemy he grasped as many of the lances as he could 
reach, and wiih a strong effort brought them to a focus 
bearing on his own breast, and fell pierced with many 
wounds. Through the breach thus made, his companions 
sprang quickh', and won the battle of Sempach. For 
five lumdred }'ears the people of Sempach have gath- 
ered annually at that sacred spot where the victory 
is commemorated bv four laree crosses. There to cele- 



304 SECOND REUNION. 

brate the event by addresses and songs of praise — 
by calling the roll of the 200 dead who fell in the bat- 
tle, and in swearing fealty to tlieir country for life. My 
friends, imitate these patriots — teach your children of 
the gallant deeds of their forefathers — educate them in 
the histor\^ of their oitni country first — teach them who 
their fathers, and your fathers and grand fathers were — 
town, county, state and country history. Teach them 
to value the heritage which their ancestors here on this 
spot battled to secure, and perpetuate your work, so 
that 500 years henceforth the decendants of the Knights 
whose names are blazoned on yonder marble slabs, 
annually go there to make addresses, sing songs of 
praise and to call the battle roll of the dead, and so 
commemorate the deeds of their forefathers." 



Miss Susan K. Dickinson read the follovving original 
poem composed expressly for the occasion, with her 
usual grace and elegance: 

/^NCE more we gather in our glorious vale 

To honor those whose memory Fame .shall keej) 
Sacred with tlieirs whom Greece, renowned of old, 
Named as her martyr heroes, those whose deed 
Made famous grand Thermopylce. These died 
To save their homes and altars. Did they fail 
Because the summer day looked its farewell 
On their dead, upturned faces, and their hearths 
Made desolate ? The story of their brave 
Unetjualled fight has stirred a world to keep 
Their memory green — made many a strong heart ihrill 
With stronger pulse, awaiting duty's call — 
Awakened Campljell's mu.se to sing the tale 
Of Albert and Oertrude, and has given 
An ever recurring and noble theme, 
To story and to song. Wyoming's name 
[s one with theirs in men's rememlxsrances : 
And the fair valley, beautiful as dreams 




/u-^>i.6.^c^ .y^. yi^^^ 



HENRY M. HOYT. 
GcTvernor ci 



AT THE MONUMENT. 305 

Uf lost Atlantis and its sunset plains, 

Drew first pils^rims here as to a shrine. 

These came and saw its loveliness, and so 

Went back and told their homes— we found 

A landscape full of peace, of rest, of joy, 

Stretching out wide from the famed battlefield. 

There are far grander scenes where Alpine heights, 

Lift up their rose crowned ice peaks — none more fair 

Has earth to show; none where the heart is held 

By subtle influences tliat say, O, stay ! 

Here still is an inspiration to brave deeds, 

To noble living ; to all worthy acts 

That war or peace may c i.i t )r : if still 

Life calls you h^uce we send with you a thought ; 

A mingled memory of lives laiil down 

Grandly for home and altar — and of all 

Such sacrifice h.is won. 

So year by year 
The record grows of those who come and go. 
And carry with them as a treasure hence 
The name and fame of Wyoming. Should we — 
Whose fair inheritance was won by those 
Whose simple monumental stone in sight 
Uprises, — should we fail to bring our gift 
Of song, of speech, or flowers ; nay — most of all — 
Of loving memories — of hearts that say, 
"Our lives shall be our best memorial." 



The following letter from Governor Hoyt was then read : 

COMMONWKAI.TH OK PENNSYLVANIA, \ 

Executive Chamber, f 

Harrisburg, June 29th, iciSo. 

//('//. SL'iibrii Jt-iikiiis, IVyomiiig. Pii. 
My Dear Sir :— 

1 had hoped to comply with your kind suggestion to ma\e a short address on 
the character of the Connecticut Settlers, before your association on the 3d 
proximo. I hive had a painful fight with rheumatism for three months, and so 
far have got the worst of it. At the date mentioned I shall be absent on what 
I hope will be a final campaign against it. 

Judging from my own experience, I am persuaded that there is little real 
knowledge, and a very inadequate appreciation of the men who settled the 
Seventeen townships of Connecticut. On their part, it was an exodus from 
their old homes, for the pure and simple purpose of founding new homes, and 



306 SECOND RKUMON, 

layint;; a foundation for the jiliysical and nioial well hciiii^ of them^elves and 
their children. There was no idea of Empire in the movement. They went 
to the wilderness and to harpships, as courageous, persistent and honest a body 
of men as ever confederated for a high and legitimate motive. Unfortunately 
they fell into a dispute about territorial jurisdiction, and the immediate rejire- 
sentative of the Province of Pennsylvania, of course, resented, their prc->encc 
as an invasion, and for many years made inadeiiuate and futile resistance. 

The Connecticut people were outside the sympathies of the ofl'icers of the 
Province, and of many of the people ; and their descendants yet bear un- 
pleasant memories of those Yankees, and for aught I know, of their descen- 
dants ; but the great mass of the frontiersmen, German and Scotch-Irish — 
themselves the victims of imperfect protection against the savages, whom the 
Q.ixk.'rs ware unwilling to regard as enemies and evil-doers, sympathized in 
the highest manner with the settlers along the upper Susquehanna. 

The controversy was bitter ; at times bloody, and lasted from 1763 to 1799. 
For self possession, calmness and philosojihic waiting for deliverance, the 
conduct of these people was admiralile. 

It is time some exhaustive, but accessible view of tliese men, their conduct, 
tliiir niJtives, and their patient heroism, was brought before their descendants. 
What they did on the 3d of July, 1778, strangers in, to them a strange land, 
their title to which was denied, exalts into a new level the mere patriotism of 
other great sufferers. 

I trust that at your pleasant gathering you will be able to look back over 
the intervening century, and see what a grand and Ijrnve strain, and what a 
fine fi'ore wa? uoja the brains ail hearts of the m.M wh )se memories you 
meet to fitly commemorate. 

Again regretting my absence, I am, 

Yours very truly, 

Menkv M. Ilovr. 



Thus it will be seen, after long years of tedious wait- 
ing, the men of Connecticut who first settled our Valley, 
and who in their lives were regarded as free-booters and 
traitors by the early Governors of the Province, are here 
full)- vindicated and eulogized by another Governor who 
has carefully reviewed the question in the light of justice, 
and this vindication though late, comes to us unsought, 
in a semi-official character bearing date in. and emana- 
ting from the K.xecutive Chamber of the Commonwealth, 
under the hand and sanction of the legally constituted 
successor of the great William Penn himself. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 307 

Mr Chapman delivered a ringint^" little speech of five 
minutes, after which the Ljuests proceeded to the Hotel 
of Col. Laycock to partake of a bountiful repast. 

Judge Dana was called to preside over the after dinner 
exercises. In assuming the honors of presiding over the 
further deliberations of the meeting, the Judge said that 
Col. Dorrance, with himself and others, three years ago 
undortoo'.: the organization of this society to give direct- 
ion only, and not to arrogate to themselves the sole right 
of keeping the.;e events in mind ; outside parties are 
wanted to take an interest in it. Some jealousy has been 
felt that those who were instrumental in forwarding the 
one hundredth anniversary exercises, had taken it upon 
themselves to be custodians of the memories of those 
who gave their lives for their principles. These had a right, 
and it was proper for them as the immediate descendants, 
to initiate the movement, but they wanted others to take 
an interest also. 

Some had said this was no event of an}- considerable 
importance ; that it was onl\' a little skirmish, (ireat 
battles are not necessary — the number of men engaged 
and the shedding of much blood is not necessary to make 
an event important — this battle is remembered in detail 
a hundred years after, the day, as vividly as ten )'ears 
after, which is all that can be said of any of the great 
battles of Napoleon. The importance depended on the 
result. This battle lead to the expedition of Gen. Sulli- 
van of the following year, which forever wiped out the 
power of the Iroquois in the state of New York, where 
they were still living in all the pride and power of their 
original independence. This was the beginning of that 
series of events, which, step by step ended in the surren- 
der at Yorktown. The story of Wyoming at once brought 
to the American cause the influence of the conservatives 
in the British parliament and materially aided the strug- 
gling colonists to achieve their independence. 

Dr. Hollister excused himself from saying an)' thing at 
this time. 



50<S SECOND REUNION. 

Rev. H. H. Welles made a short speech in w hich he 
alluded to the fa6l that his ancestor (Matthias Hollenback,) 
as well as the grand father of the President of the Asso- 
ciation was engaged in the terrible work on that mem- 
orable day, and that while the one fell to fill a bloody 
grave, it was the good fortune of the other to live to ac- 
cumulate wealth so as to render his descendants 
independent of the aftive cares of life. 

It is worthy of note, that thus far no deatii has oc- 
curred among the officers or members of the original 
Executive Committee, therefore the sad duty, as provid- 
ed by resolution, of preparing a brief eulogy, to be read 
at any one of these annual meetings, to the memory of 
any deceased member, has been graciously spared to the 
living associates. 

After a little more social talk among the persons as- 
sembled, the gathering adjourned to meet at the same 
place at lO a. m. on the 2d of July, 1881, the 3d on this 
year falling on Sunday, 



ANNIVERSARY. 




THIRD REUNION. 



HE Association met at the Court House 
i|in Wiikesbarre on the nth of June, 1881, 
agreeably to the call of the president : 
■There were present Charles Dorrance. Pres- 
ident, L. D. Shoemaker, Treasurer, Wesley 
'''S>-^^ Johnson, Secretary, and Messrs E. L. Dana, 
Calvin Parsons, Dr. H. Hollister, Abel Barker, H. Hakes, 
D. S. Bennet and Marx Long of Committees. 

Judge Dana, Chairman of Committee reported a plan for 
organization and incorporation which was read and 
committee continued for further a6lion. 

The following officers Were then ele6led for the ensuing 
year. 

President, Charles Dorrance. 

Vice Presidents : E. L. Dana, L D. Shoemaker, Calvin 
Parsons, Dr. H. Hollister and Steuben Jenkins ; 
Treasurer. Dr. Harry Hakes ; 
Recording Secretary, Wesley Johnson ; 
Corresponding Secretary, Abel Barker ; 
Librarian, D. S. Bennet. 

On motion Resolved : That a committee of three to be 
named by the chair, be appointed, to make arrangements 
for the annual service and dinner at Wyoming, on the 2d 
of July next. 

Messrs. Bennet, Barker and Jenkins, were appointed 
to constitute such committee. 



310 THIRD REUNION. 

On motion, Messrs. Hollister, Shoemaker, Dana and 
Hakes were appointed a committee to prepare the order 
of exercises for the day. 

On motion, Resolved : That a committee of five, of 
which the Secretary shall be chairman, be appointed as a 
committee on publication, to arrange the matter and pro- 
vide means for printing in substantial book form, all the 
proceedings of this association from its first meeting on 
the 3d of July, 1877, to the present time; including the 
addresses, orations, poems and all other proceedings of 
the memorial services on the 3d and 4th of July, 1878. 
The President thereupon named Messrs. Johnson, Bennet, 
Jenkins, Dana and Hakes to constitute such committee. 

Adjourned to meet at Wyoming monument, at 10 
o'clock a. m. on Saturday, July 2d, 1881. 



THIRD ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 

Saturday the 2d of July, 1 881, was a perfeft day in all 
its early summer luxuriance. The heat was not oppress- 
ive but the shade was gratefully sought by many of the 
assemblage of perhaps two hundred persons, gathered 
within the monument enclosure for the purpose of rehears- 
ing the old story of the times and the event they were 
about to commemorate on this, the one hundred and third 
anniversary, of the battle, now become the event of the 
year for the village of Wyoming. The meeting was fi.xed 
this year on the 2d and not on the 3d, the aftual anni\crs- 
ary, the reason being that the 3d falls on Sunday and its 
observance on that day is hardly regarded as decorous b}- 
the association. 

At II o'clock Col. Dorrance called the meeting to 
order, disclaiming an)- intention to make a speech, further 
than to welcome the few who were present, and said he 
hoped they would all return from year to year to com- 
memorate the day of all others held dear and sacred to 




MA.JDS RENNET 



AT THE MONUMENT. 3II 

the memories of our forefathers whose remains repose 
beneath this simple shaft of mountain stone erefted to 
mark the spot of their last resting place here on earth. 

The entire company gathered at the monument, then 
sung in chorus that grand old hymn 

" Trom all that dwell beneath the skies." 

An eloquent and fervent prayer was offered b}- Rev. 
Abel Barker, in\oking the Divine blessing to rest upon all 
assembled here, and that peace and plenty may never 
fail us while we continue to serve the Lord and do his 
Heaven !}• will. 

Rev. Henr\' L. Jones, Reftor of St. Stephens Episcopal 
Church, Wilkesbarre, favored the association and assem- 
bled citizens with the following chaste and appropriate 
Eulog)' to the mart\Ted dead : 

Ladies and Gentlemen ; Fellow countrymen : We meet 
on one of those anniversary occasions which have well 
and wisel}- been called "heartlinks" — heartlinks between 
the future and the past : "When a common jo}- or common 
sorrow falls on kindred hearts, kindred in blood or coun- 
tr)', or in faith, it melts them all, and melts them into 
one. And then the day that makes it annual, takes its 
color to them all and swa\'s them to its tone." 

To-day, we go back in thought to a field of blood and 
suffering, sacred to many before me, as identified with 
personal reminiscences poured into the listening ear of 
childhood-sacred to all as identified with our country's 
honor and renown-immortal the world over, for, histor- 
ian and poet, novelist and artist have given their choic- 
est efforts in depi6ling what befell "On Susquehanna's 
side (at) fair Wyoming," a little more than a century 
ago. A hundred times and more, since then, has winter 
covered the streams with massive crystal, and spread the 
marvellous beauty of the snows over field and forest, vale 
and hillside. A hundred times and more, the snows and 
ice have melted in the breath of Spring and vegetation 
has renewed itself in verdure and bloom. A hundred 



312 THIRD REUNION. 

times and more the sultry summer has brooded over the 
hills and warmed the deepest valleys. A hundred times 
and more, has summer ripened into autumn, and then : 

" The melancholy days have come, the saddest of the year, 

Of wailing winds and naked woods and meadows brown and sere." 

The Sun that shone upon our fathers' fathers, pours up- 
on us from the same deep blue sky, the same cxhaustless 
flood of warmth and splendor. Nature in its perpetual 
changes, perpetually reproduces itself. But history, is 
not merely a record of the weather, deals with some- 
thing else than the mere ongoing of nature; it has to do 
with events that spring from man's intelligence and vol- 
untary power, and the diversified influences which, under 
an overruling Providence aft on human character and 
human welfare. That simple shaft, hewn from the solid 
rock, recalls the history of a generation of the national 
life — its days of darkness and of woe, its throes of agony 
and its majestic triumphs. All this is epitomized as we 
look down upon the silent dust of the men who fell in 
the great struggle for freedom to which they "gave their 
lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor." There is a 
voice that issues thence to stir our inmost souls. It leads 
us back to the presence and the heroism of our dead 
fathers. There throb in it the stern pulses of martyr life. 
It is keyed to the music of early forest temples, where, 

" 'I he sounding aisles of the dim woods rang. 

To the anthem of the free." 
"Some when they die, die all ; their mouldering clay 

Is but an emblem of their memories ; 

The spai e c[uite closes up thro' which they p.issed." 

Not so with these. 

"Thai which the open book could never t^ach, 
The closed one whispers." 

It is easy to be brave when things go well ; it is easy to 
head a work of triumph, or be borne onward on the 
chariot of success ; but when the stake in life is heavily 
against us ; when our friends and allies hesitate ; when 
support is unattainable or grudgingly offered ; when for- 



AT THE MONUMENT. 313 

tune and fame seems to smile on that against wiiich we 
contend ; then to watch and seize every opportunity; 
never to be disheartened; never to be disma3^ed ; eve' 
and ever to persevere, demands the spirit of a hero. Such 
were the\- who died 

* * * " midst flame and smoke, 
And shout and groan and sabre stroke, 
And djith s!nl fallin,' thick and fast" 

in the "Battle and Massacre of Wyoming." 

Of the details of those eventful days; of the me norie:? 
of household altars then deserted ; of the back-griun 1 
of character, wdiich lends weight to the priceless heritage 
beqtieathed ; of the changes time has wrought ; of the-;-', 
it is not m\' office to speak. Others will tell again the 
sad familiar tale of tragedy and blood. Were I to ven- 
ture in t/iis presence before so many able local hiuorians 
as I see around me, i fear I should appear to disadvan- 
tage in their eyes for lack of knowledge in points of de- 
tail which to them are but as household words, and my 
bknidering niight excite a smile, if not a pity in their minds. 
I shall, therefore not attempt it. My duty is but to spread 
the cloth for the feast of good things which other tongues 
more eloquent than mine, and minds more richly stocked 
with historic lore, backed by the rights of ancestral privi- 
lege, stand ready to provide. Yet before I close, let me re- 
mind you of one feature of this monument, which reflects 
credit on the foresighted, broadminded patriotism of 
those to whose energetic and loving efforts its erection 
is due. Among the memorials of the Revolutionary' pe- 
riod, it stands, if I am not misinformed, unique in this; 
that while others tell otit to posterity, o///j' the names 
and deeds of gallant officers, well known on pages of 
historic fame, this recognizes a greatness in unknown 
names ;. a claim to common immortality on the part of all, 
officers and men, high and low, who did their duty be- 
cause it was their dutv, and ditl it all. 



314 THIRL) REUNION. 

We are told that years after the celebrated battle of 
Thermopylae, a traveler on visiting the spot found a mon- 
ument with the simple inscription, "stranger, go tell at 
Lacedaemon that we died in obedience to her laws.' 
"Why is it," he asked "that the names of those who fell 
here are not inscribed on the stone ?" "Because," was 
the proud reply, "it is impossible that any Greek should 
.ever forget them." 

But my friends, while it may be truly said of the men 
of Wyoming, their a6ls are graven on the hearts of their 
countrymen, and time hath no power to obliterate the 
charafters, and that, throughout this broad land, 

"The meanest rill, the mightiest river, 
Rolls mingling with their fame forever ;" 

it is also true, that Spartan simplicity reckoned not on 
the lawlessness of the days of free inquiry and adventur- 
ous speculation ; the keenness and accuteness of our 
nineteenth century criticism, the ease with which we set 
aside the a6lual and historical charafter of those who 
occupied even the most distinguished places in past times. 
All honor to the fair women of Wyoming, that, graven 
on this obelisk of stone, their offering in memory of the 
patriotic dead, the record is complete. Not a single 
name shall be "erased or polluted, not a single star ob- 
scured" by any historic doubts that rise. These, at least 
were men, not myths. They belong to the world and can 
never pass away. They abide forever. They will live to 
teach the future. Ages to come shall hallow their 
memory. 

Mrs. Harriet Gertrude Watres of Scranton, "Stella of 
Lackawanna" had prepared a poem for the occasion, 
entitled "The Wyoming Monument", but not being 
present in person. Judge Dana was requested to read it, 
which he did in a masterly and effc6live manner. The 
words arc as follows : 

Is it only a dream, that our valley 
So peerless in beauty to day. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 315 

With the peace of the dawn iu each sunset 

Tliat lightens the landscape, once lay 
Wnthin;j; under the sorrowful starlight, 

With bosom dismantled and torn 
I3y the tooth of a slaughter more monstrous 

Thau ever made ghastly the morn ? 

Who would say — glancing down these pure meadows, 

Still flushed by tlie bold gaze of June — 
And their full-nested verdure a-quiver 

With silence unbroken in tune. 
That along these broad slopes rang the war-cry 

That startled and thrilled all the land, 
While but savage delight marked the noon-day 

And blazed in the night -kindled brand ? 

Ah! we need not yon tablet of granite 

Time-marred and storm-written, to tell 
Who the heroes that valaintly struggled 

For birth-right and fireside— and fell 
'Mong the furrows their glad feet had followed 

In many a dew-sparkling morn, 
Ere the orchards grew tinted with promise, 
Or shaped the gre^n arrow., of corn : 

For our hearts can afresh the sad story, 

The many tongued summons repeat 
In the scent of mown grass by the hedges, 

And affluent stretches of wheat : 
As our fancy wings back o'er the distance 

That bridges a century's tide, 
To the fields where our kinsman lay murdered, 

That sweet healing time may not hide. 

And the better we love the fair valley, — 

Aye, fair as the shore of a dream 
When the moon hangs in mist o'er the maples 

With young love awake in her gleam ; 
That it's pitying turf spreads a pillow 

As soft as the dying might know ; 
And a couch for the white-bosomed mother, 

With babes clasped in hunger and woe. 



3l6 THIRD KEIIMON. 

Who would chide, though our pulses grew quickened, 

To-day o'er the massacred dead ? 
Or who smile, that each eloquent summer 

Brings back the old summons of dread ? 
Till the twilights grow peopled with phantoms 

That through all the shadowy wood ; 
As grim ghouls through invisible gateways 

To feast at a banquet of blood. 

On the shore of our valley enchanted 

With garlands half mingled with pain 
Press we now to do homage, as children 

Of sires in their loyalty slain ; 
And, where met they those dusky marauders, 

And perished in claiming their own. 
With bared brow and low speech would we hallow 

Anew this memorial stone. 

Lightly blown be the breezes that fan it ; 

Caressing the touch of the rain ; 
Let the sunbeams the lone crypt remember. 

And pause in their dance on the plain. 
Be the green spot of earth that up-bears it 

With loving concern on its breast, 
Ever sacred to those who defended 

The vale, where, as martyrs they rest. 



Mr. Charles I. A. Chapman next ascended the steps of 
the monument and made an adchess which he said had 
been prepared for the 1878 exercises. It was replete with 
classic allusions gathered from ancient history, and was 
listened to with marked attention. His peroration was a 
caustic arraignment of the policy — political, commercial 
and social of the age — dwelling particularly upon the 
depravity of the political condition of the country. Dur- 
ing the delivery of which the audience was shocked 
by the announcement in suppressed whispers, "The 
President has been assassinated," and a feeling of deep 
sorrow fell upon all present. This report proved all too 
true for in that hour President Garfield had received liis 
death wound at the hands of the infamous assassin 
Guiteau. 



AT THE MONUMENT. 317 

R n-. David Craft, of Wyalusing, then spoke. He re- 
lerred to the common property of this memorial event ; 
said it was not the property of this region alone, but of 
the whole country. He had faith in any land that was 
true to the patriotism of its fathers, and kept green the 
memory of those who fell in defense of their country. 
Such a feeling was the antidote of those forebodings which 
his predecessor had just bewailed. Wyoming is not iso- 
lated. It had its antecedents and consequences. It was 
not a turning point in our history. He traced the con- 
nexion between the Wyoming Massacre and the Sullivan 
campaign. He said that those who died on Wyoming's 
field, and whose bones lie beneath this shaft, gave their lives 
for more than they thought and more than their genera- 
tion thought. The speaker dwelt eloquently upon the les- 
son, that he who fights for, and dies for a principle is 
Sure to live in the hearts of his countrymen for ages to 
come. 

Rev. H. E. Hayden upon being introduced to the aud- 
ience, spoke as follows, indulging at the same time in a 
slight vein of sarcasm in making some of his points : 

Not having seen my name on the printed programme 
as a speaktr, I feel as if the distinguished committee of 
arrangements had taken a "snap judgment" on me, in 
calling for an address, without giving me proper time for 
preparation. It is embarrassing to speak of Wyoming 
history in the presence of six historians of Wyoming. 
However, it is possible that Wyoming history may not 
be so widely known in detail outside of this circle, that 
a little reference to it should come amiss. I was inter- 
ested a few days ago, in an article in the Weekly Leader^ 
from the pen of my venerable friend James A. Gordon 
of Plymouth. In it he stated his purpose to defend the 
character of Col. Zebulon Butler from the charges made 
against him, though he did not in his article make any 
such defence. As my great grandfather v>'as Butler's 



3l8 SECOND REUNION. 

Adjutant General during the Revolution, I had learned 
to regard the Colonel's charafter as above reproach, and 
asked myself — What defence does Col. Butler need at 
any man's hand in this day of historical research ? Who 
believes any charges against Zebulon Butler .•* Then I 
rem^embered how man}' historic myths still burdened the 
pages of history. How our school histories still perpet- 
uated the old and exploded story that Pocahontas had 
.saved Capt. Smith's life ; how School Histories still re- 
peated the old fable that Maryland was a Roman Catho- 
lic Colony — and that Romanists had passed thfe first a6l 
of religious toleration in America, and I thought it is 
possible that some believe to-day the old, old slanders 
about Col. Butler. The thought drove me to my library 
for investigation, and to my surprise I found it true, that 
this man — sa^s pcur ct sans repi'ocJic — the gallant soldier 
and chivalrous gentleman Zebulon Butler was still regar- 
ded hy some writers, who take their history always sec- 
ond handed, as having been derelift in his duty at Wyo- 
ming. And I learned also that even in my small library 
there are three distin6l accounts of the event which to- 
da}' we commemorate. How is it possible, ladies and 
gentlemen, that the truth of our historx' can be reached 
by the majority of readers, with three distinft versions of 
it in circulation } Let mc tell }'Ou briefly what these 
three are — 

Fiist, let me remind you. that you have not yet reach- 
ed the true " American Catholicity"-which was lately ex- 
ampled by a distinguished citizen ofAmerica,C. W. Field of 
N. Y., who erected on the spot where Andre was hanged, 
a cenotaph to commemorate his virtues. The greatest of 
British spies, whose rnanh' virtues wrung tears from foes, 
and won the sympathy of the world, Andre, died as de- 
served a death as any felon who ever stepped upon the 
gallows, and \et an American has erected a monument 
to his memory. If one of the histories to which I refer, 
be true, we have in this Valley, somewhere, the remains 



AT THE MONUMENT. 319 

* 

of Col. Butler, Jos. Brandt and Sir William Johnson, his 
reputed father. And yet no granite shaft, no sculptured 
marble, no funeral urn, no engraven brass marks the spot 
where these three heroes lie buried. I say we have not 
reached the true standard of American Catholicit}'. 

On the 3d of Jul\- 1778 the massacre of Wyoming oc- 
curred. July 20th 1778, there appeared in the JVcw Yv7'k 
JotiDial a very extravagant account of the affair, stating 
that Col. John Butler with 1600 Indians, and tories paint- 
ed like Indians, had descended on the fort at W\oming, 
defended by 40O patriots under command of Col's Butler 
and Denison. To the demand for a surrender of the 
fort. Col Denison had replied, asking on what terms — 
John Butler replied "The Hatchet." The tcinis were 
refused; and the battle began, resulting in ne 

colonists. John Butler took 145 scalps, bcvciifx uieii 
escaped to WilJ<esbarre, the remainder he liad shut up 
with the women and children in houses and burnt tiiem 
alive. Then crossing over to Wilkesbarre he had captur- 
ed and scalped the 70 who had escaped irom Wvo- 
mingand shutting up the women and children in houses, 
had fired the houses and burnt them alive. Upon this 
statement Thatcher, Gordon, Drake and Marshall, in his 
first edition of his life of Washington had based their 
statements of the event. For 50 years this was the ac- 
cepted account of the massacre of W}oming. Half a 
century ago this statement was largely altered b\- the 
careful research of historians, and Chapman, Miner. Pearce, 
Peck, Stone, Wright, Jenkins, and even the disiiiigitish- 
cd historian. Clarke of Scranton, and the cxtuiguislied 
historian of Munsell's magnificent fraud, the 'Tlistory of 
the Counties of Luzerne, Wyoming, &c., have given us a 
more accurate account of the event, which to- da)' we 
commemorate ; which some however, have gone so far as 
to pronounce, not a massacre, but a simple battle or 
skirmish. Yet in truth, although in extent it was but a 
skirmish compared with later confli6ls upon our own soil, 



320 THIRD REUxMON. 

the massacre of Wyominj^, as General Dana sairi here a 
)ear ago, was far reaching hi its effefts. Indeed it was 
not inferior to Lexington or Bunker Hill in its results for 
the Hberties of America. But I fin.d a third account of 
theM-issacrein my library, and although this third account 
occurs in a work of fi6lion, it is by such works of fiftion 
that many of the)'ouths of America are misled, as to her 
history. This third account says, that on the 3d of July 
1778, Brandt with looo Indians and tories cam.e down on 
Wyoming falling " like a wolf on the fold." Investing 
Fort Wintermute, he massacred the defenders and took 
200 scalps, then, as he stood in his tent, (which of course 
he always carried with him for the purpose) with the 200 
scalps piled up before him, he cried to John Butler "800 
scalps more and m\' revenge on Wyoming will be full— 
I shall be satisfied." The next hour he swooped down 
on the fort at Wyoming, defended by Col. Denison with 
400 men, drew all into ambush excepi; 60 and in a narrow 
defile of the mountains, (which must have been impro- 
vised for the occasion,) massacred and scalped all but 40- 
who escaped to the Fort. Then he and his Indians at- 
tacking the Fort, scaled the ramparts and scalped 
the 100 defenders ; an 1 as each man fell, pierced by the 
balls of the Indian rifle, Brandt, who was wading in the 
current of blood which flowed in the yard, sprang upon 
him and circling his head with his knife, tore the bloody 
scalp from the skull. When all were slain, Brandt, 
throwing in a pile before him the gor}' scalps exclaimed 
to John Butler, "I have my thousand scalps ; henceforth 
I shall be known as Brandt the scourge of the white man. 1 
am satisfied." So satiated was he that he even spared four 
prisoners, real citizens of Wilkesbarre for the stak'e, and 
that day he bound them to stakes, on the spot where 
Wilkesbarre now stands, and commanded his Mohawks 
to light the fagots. Just as they stooped tt) do his bid- 
ding there sprang from the forests (especially grown for 
the purpose) "one clad like a prophet, who cried out. 



AT TIIK MONUMENT. 



321 



AvMunt tinu fieii 1, in tliL- namj of the Great Spirit, 
sjuterthv fire brands." The Mohawks arose in aston- 
is'.iment, an 1 l^randt not willing to be tliwarted in his 
revent^e. sprini4ini4" towards the prophet "pierced his breast 
wiih liis t( ni;d:a\\ Is." 1 lie prophet, as he reeled with 
the blow c.vchiimed, "Ah Brandt, l^randt ! thou know- 
est not what lluni hast done; thoii hast slain thine own 
father!' With a \<t\\ of horror that thrilled the air, and 
fille 1 the Indians with wonder, Brandt clasped thefallinj.^ 
form in his arms and tssax'ed to staunch the flow of blood, 
w'len he too. fell, i)ierced to the heart by a dozen balls 
fro n th:f rii'Tjs of 503 fre-;h Wyoming- volunteers who 
can.; on the scene (and were made especially for this 
purpose.) " Then J<:»hn Butler seeing his danger, fled to 
the hojse. in wliich the lad\' he lo\'ed, but who didn"t 
love him, h.ul gone for retuge. Springing upon the bal- 
conv wliere she w;itched this fearful scene, he essayed to 
clasp her in his arms that he might bear her to the for- 
est, but the lover to whom she was betrothed, followed 
him, an 1 as he reache 1 t'ne spot, with a strong left-hand- 
ed sweep of his sword, he severed Butlers head from his 
body. 

Gentlemen, which of these three histories of the stirring 
events of this da_\- one hundred and three years ago, will )'ou 
teach \'our ciiildren .' Until you give to the world a 
carefully and accurately prepared account of this great 
event, >'ou will never be able to give your posterity a 
true knowledge ot" the tleeds of your forefathers. Bring 
your c'/i'd;re)i to this sp:)t, when yoa come one year hence. 
Instrurt them carefidly in the events you commemDrate. 
Teach them to value the valor of their forefathers. Re- 
move from their childhood's literature, the niN'thical ac- 
counts of the Massacre, and teach them intelligently 
an 1 lovingl)' to honor and revere those whose blood was 
here shed for their liberties. 

Dr. Hakes followed with the announcement that there 
was a conspiracy on foot to talk the audience to death, 



322 THIRD REUNION. 

and he was going to help do it if it could be done. He 
entered upon the subje6l of Wyoming b\' avowing tlK t 
those who fought and fell on Wyoming's field didn't fight 
for us or their posterity, but for their cabins. 'I'he)- gave 
honest blows for their own lives and prosperit}— not for 
that which we praise them for. He said it was crcJitalde 
for their descendants to come here and celebrate this 
event, but for fifty years the very desceiKhuUs of these 
■men didn't even know, or try to find out, where llicsc 
heroc's bones lay. He claimed that the lies and ex;ig- 
gerations about Wyoming's battle and Massacre, were 
grand in their vengeance, arousing energetic liClion, ;is 
they fired Sullivan to do things he never would ha\e done 
hadn't the stories of the Massacre been put good and 
strong. Who is to say that it was not important because 
of the lies that were told about it } We don't know, said 
he, whether the spirits of these men who died here look- 
down on us, and those assembled from time to time, but 
if they do they have good things said of them, and we 
will be remembered for remembering them, and we ouglit 
to be. 

Dr. Dunning was called upon, and said that though not 
as familiar with the history of W\oming as he 
ought to be, he had become deeply interested in this an- 
niversary exercise and hoped it would be retained in the 
interest of the communit}' and perpetuated from year to 
year. 

After music, "America was sung, and abenedi6lion by 
Rev- E. H. Snowden, the exercises concluded, and the 
members of the Association and their invited friends, la- 
dies and gentlemen, to the number of forty-five, left the 
grounds and repaired to the Wyoming Hotel, where a 
sumptuous repast was enjoyed by the company. Mis. 
Judge Pfouts, of Hanover — a grand-daughter of Captain 
Lazarus Stewart — offered a resolution that hereafter the 
dinners of the Association be fixed at the Wyoming Hotel. 
It was unanimously carried, after which the chairman, 



AT THE MONUMENT. 323 

Col. Dorrancc, thanked the assembled t^uesls for their 
at'icn Jaiice and interest, and hoped each would come from 
Near to year and do likewise, -and that the custom would 
bj perpetuated until the great grand-sons of those present 
became j^reat [grandfathers. 

Judi^e IJma tlien rose to place himself on record as 
proterLilv:,^ in a very decided way, against an idea that 
ha 1 been oresente 1 and considerably commented upon 
at tlie monument ground, to the cf{c6i that the battle 
and mis;aore of Wyoming were ver)' much of the myth 
orler. H .; nee le i no more evidence of the untenable- 
ness of this theory than the significant fact that no pris- 
oners wjre taken in that struggle, and that all engaged 
eit'aer escaped or were on the spot most cruelly dispatch- 
ed. Idea Imitted that while the battle and massacre may 
hive been exaggerated in many respects, in others he 
believe 1 justice had never been done those who fought 
ani fell — hat the deeds of valor and heroism done b\' 
these men were greater than we ever credited them for. 
He believed they were the greater and the grandeur be- 
cause the\' fought without support, with nothing what- 
ever to rely upon. He didn't want the myth theory to 
get anv ground ; he wanted these occasions continued : 
he desired to see this room crowded every )'ear with 
frien Is of the movement. -He wanted to preserve the 
memory of this event, and to do so apart from the His- 
torical and Geological Society. It had been charged 
that this was a confli6ling association with the Historical, 
whereas it is an ally of that society. He spoke of the 
Ladies j)resent and referred to the part that women had 
taken on that occasion of which this is a memorial. He 
spoke warmly in favor of earnest and enthusiastic labor 
in the cause, and more work dr/orr than at 10 a. m. on the 
morning of the next 3d of July, to which time this 
meeting now stands adjourned. 



THE MONUMENT. 




LMOST half a century had elapsed before any 
determined moxxment, so far as we know, 
^toward ercfting a moni.mcnt to ccit memo- 
rate the fate of those who fell near Fort Win- 

'-Wb'i 1^ termute on the 3d day of Julw 1778, wliich 

^"•|j^^ disastrous confii6l has long been known as 
" the Indian battle" or "VVyrming" Massacre." was made 
on the 22d day of Jul\' 1826, in the villa^^e of W'ilkesl^arre- 
The Committee appointed at this initial meeting held 
another meeting on the 9th of August following, when 
General William Ross was called to the chair and Arnold 
Colt appointed Secretary. At this meeting a preamble 
and resolutions were adopted expressive of the sense of 
the meeting ; among other things it was said : 

" Forty eight years have rolled away since the bones of 
the fathers of this valley were committed to a common 
grave, and not a monument or beacon is erefted to pf)int 
to their sleeping dust," (and it might have been added, 
no man knoweth the exact place of their sepulture even 
unto this day.) 

" The monuments and trophies of the dead are useful 
only to the living. They prompt the rising generation to 
that noble devotion, that heroic daring, and that ardent 
love of country, vyhich is at once the strength and glory 
of a nation." 



THE MONUMENT. 325 

" Is there any one who has lost a relative or friend in 
thit frightful massacre, who, in passing those memcMahle 
plains, does not feel an emotion of regret, that the ashes 
of those martyrs to savage fury lie unhonored by any 
monument to awaken the sad remembrance of their fall ?" 

Therefore, Resolved, that a monument be erecled in 
memory of those who fell in the Wyoming Massacre." 

A Committee to obtain subscriptions was then appoint- 
ed, consisting of two or more persons for each township 
in Luzerne, as well as several in Bradford antl Susque- 
hanna counties in this State and Tioga county, New York. 
The Col., John Franklin, then of Bradford count)- was 
named as one of the Committeemen. Of the entire list 
of names, seventy five in number, only three were living 
on the 3d of July 1878 ; viz ; Henry Roberts of J<"alls 
township, 87 years of age. Abram Honeywell, of Dallas, 
85, and Jol\n Gore of Kingston 83. Steuben Butler of 
Wilkesbarre, Editor of the paper in which the j)roceed- 
mgs of the meeting were published, was stiil living at 
the age of 90. He died on the 12th of August 1881. 

On the 3rd of July 1832 "a large assembly convened 
at the opening of the grave for the purpose of pa\inga 
tribute. to those heroes who were killed in the Wyoming 
Battle and massacre, and to adopt measures preparatory 
to erecting a monument." 

Rev. James May delivered an address suitable to the 
occasion ; among other things said by the speaker were : 

" I find myself here in the midst of some venerable 
citizens who were in the ranks which faced the enemy on 
that memorable 3d of July, and who survived the perils 
and sufferings of that terrible day, and the vicissitudes 
of more than half a century since — ''^ '^ The enemy'.s 
force was from 900 to 1,200 men, of whom upwards ot 
400 were Indians, headed by their Chief Brandt. On 
this dreadful day about 300 were killed or missing and 
never heard of, and about 230 wives made widows. 



326 HISTORY OF 

" See, fellow citizens," said the speaker, " the sacrifice 
wiiich was made by the first civilized tenants of this val- 
ley ! The grave containing their bones is uncovered be- 
fore you. You see for yourselves the marks of the toma- 
h.nvk and scalping knife on the heads which are here un- 
covered, after having rested for more than fifty years. 
Peace be in this grave! Sacred be the memory of them 
tiiat sleep here." 

Then addressing himself to the survivors of the battle, 
s li 1 ; "Venerable citizens ; we respeft you for your 
years, we honor you for the part you bore in the doings, 
an 1 sufferings of those days, we love and cherish the 
pnnciples of liberty which animated you ; we owe you a 
tiebt of gratitude for the happy inheritance you did your 
p irt to preserve unimpaired to your children. * " On this 
d ly. an! where you now are, you cannot but think of 
vvii;it you once saw in this place. We would stand aside 
while you look into this grave and see the bones of your 
brothers, which fifty-four years ago you assisted in sadly 
laying here. We would not intrude whilst you stand be- 
side these bones, and think how you stood beside your 
friends when they lived. For your sake we are glad this 
day has come. We rejoice to think that you may yet see 
a stone raised here, on which the names of those you laid 
in this spot are engraven. May the strangers who in af- 
ter times may visit this spot, and see here a stone raised 
in memory of those who fell in the confli6l ever find here 
a population worthy of their parentage ; may the features 
of those heroes live in their posterity. Though the air 
I first breathed was not of this valley, I am proud to be 
amongst you. My heart is with you in the object of this 
days meeting. When the bones which we see here be- 
f(3re us shall rise from their bed of dust, and ours with 
them, may we have an inheritance which wars shall nev- 
er disturb. The inheritance which blood, but not that of 
man, has purchased. 



THE MONUMENT. 327 

Rev. Nicholas Murray ("Kirwaii") being" called ui){)n 
for a few extemporaneous remarks, spoke as follows ; 

This paper, which I hold in my hand, is a subscription 
paper for the ereftion of a moniniient over the bonts of 
the patriots murdered at the battle of Wyoming. 1 am 
recjuested by the committee of arrangement to present 
it for your signatures. 

And why is it my fellow citizens, that we are permit- 
ted to meet here to-day under such auspicious circtm- 
cumstances .'' Why from these western mountains is not 
the war-whoop of the Indian heard to disturb our quiet ? 
Why is not the peaceful bosom of yonder river disturbed 
by the swift gliding canoe bearing to the midst of us the 
savage foe thirsting for our blood .' Why permitted to 
live with so much comfort, and so little fear, on this fer- 
tile soil, and in the midst of blessings which are but rare- 
ly surpassed ? Let this scalped skull (holding up the 
skull of one of the vi6lims bearing plain marks of a 
murderous tomahawk upon it,) answer. These heroes 
whose mouldering bones are before us, met the savage 
foe on the very soil we are now treading, and purchased 
everything we love at the price of their lives. And will 
you, their sons and successors, refuse them a monument ? 
Whilst over many an ignoble grave is erefted the speak- 
ing marble, will you permit these remains of }'our brave 
ancestry to sleep in silence and solitude without a stone 
to tell the passing stranger where they rest ? I feel just- 
ified in saying for you all, / k)iow yon will not. 

You see these bleached heads and bending forms around 
me. These worthy sires of the rising generation have 
come down to us from the last century, and were the 
companions of the heroes to whose manly frames these 
mouldering bones belonged. Could the breath of life be 
breathed into these bones — could they rise in the possess- 
ion of living energy, they would find even among this 
small remnant a few brothers and sons. As the gentle- 
man on my right (Rev, James May) was narrating the 



3^8 HISTORY OF 

incidents of the terrible massacre, I saw the tear steal- 
in;4 down the furrowed cheeks of these fathers of our 
comniiinit)-. That tear told me the_\- lelt, that they deep- 
ly lelt and remembered in as^ony of s[)irit the mi^re than 
sa\M;^e tortures inflicted upon their unfortunate l)retheren 
and friends, companions in arms, on that fearful da}- of 
blood upon this plain. And methink's there is not a 
heart in this vast concourse that does not sympathize 
with them. Tlie\- desire that a monument shall be ere6l- 
ed over the common grave of their fathers and brothers 
and companions. And do you not, my fellow citizens 
sympathize with them .^— -I know you do. I feel persua- 
ded that you are anxious to place a liberal subscriplirjn 
on this i^aper before you retire from this place. You cov- 
et the honor of contributing to the ereftion of the Wyo- 
ming monument. My great fear is that we shall not all 
have the privilege of giving. 1 would therefore caution 
the rich (this caution was showMi to be entirel\- unnec- 
ess,u'>- in the light of future events) not to indulge their 
patriotic feelings too freely, least they should be debarred 
the privilege of contributing their mite. We all want to 
have, each one, his stone in the monument, and poor as 
I am I want to give my dollar for that purpose. 

A word to the managers of the concern. In erecting 
this monument la}' its foundations deep, where the wave 
of time cannot reach it. Build it firm antl strong that 
the winds and the storms cannot shake it. Erect it high 
toward heaven, that it may catch the first ra\' of the ris- 
ing, and reflect the last of the setting sun. And far up 
towanls its summit, let it bear aloft, on ever}' side, and 
in letters of gold, the eloquent inscription placed over the 
ashes of the great Conde, changed only to e.xpress the 
plural, Shi, Viator, ca/rcas hcrocm and then, to all com- 
ing generations it will be a memento of the valor of their 
ancestry. It will teach them the price at which their 
liberty was purchased, and the value they should set 
upon it. It will teach them that the possession of civil 



THE MONUMENT. 329 

an.l relicjious liberty is more valuable than that of life. 
If ever the foot of a despot shall tread upon our extended 
anel liappy shores, a glance at the monument of Wyo- 
ming will rouse the spirit of her sons ; will kindle in 
their bosoms the patriotism of their fathers, and will 
bring them to the noble resolution, that if despotism must 
come, it must march over their lifeless bodies ; and lift- 
ing its towering column toward that heaven, to which we 
humbly hope some of the spirits that animated these 
bones have ascended, it will sa\' through all the coming 
years to every stranger that passes. 

Stop traveller, here rest tJie ashes of the Wyouiing 
heroes. 

LAYING THE CORNER STONE. 

On the 3d of July 1833 the corner stone of the Wyo- 
ming monument was laid with great pomp amid salvos 
of musketry firing, the sound of whioh came to the child- 
ish ear of the writer hereof across the quiet waters of the 
Susquehanna, and is now remembered with vivid distinfl- 
ness. Hon. Chester Butler grand-son of Col. Zebulon 
Butler, pronounced an oration and eulogium upon the 
dead, well worthy of the occasion and the man who pro- 
nounced it. After a brief reference to the well known 
leading incidents of the battle, Mr. Butler said, " who will 
attempt to portrax- the fatal issue of the fight .' It would 
require an angel's voice and an angel's tongue to ade- 
quatel\- tell the tragic conclusion. I might perhaps re- 
vive in the minds of these venerable survivors, who have 
been so long preserved and handed down to us as honor- 
ed relics of that dread day, pleased but melancholy wit- 
nesses of these solemn ceremonies, a recolleftion of those 
events — of their own hair breadth escape, and of what 
they saw of the struggle and death of their associates. 
I might point them to these mutilated bones of slaugh- 
tered friends, once instin6l with life and animated with 



330 iiisroRV OF 

like spirit with tliemselves, and remind them that per- 
haps that broken Hmb belonged to him they passed 

" In the lost b.ttllo l)onie 'lown l)y the flyint^, " 

vainlx' calling for that aid which none could render -that 
the fatal blow which bore to the earth that crushed skull, 
rang its death knell in their ears, the unheeded praxers for 
mcrcN" cut short by the swift descending stroke. Hut ! 
forbear. Let us draw a veil over the scene, and call 
•back our '.houghts to the more pleasing duties for which 
A\e are here assembled. 

We have now laid the foundation of a stru6lure which 
shall evince to future ages the grateful sense we entertain 
of our obligations to the patriotic dead, and the admira- 
tion we feel for their chara6ler and principles. Too long 
ha\-e the)- slept in an unhonored grave. "'■■' ^' 

It never shouUl be forgotten, that our fathers planted 
the Tree of Lii^ert)' and watered it with their blood ; 
that they fenced it round with the stony wall of the 
Union upon which was inscribed "Union and Libert}'. — 
one and inseparable — now and forever." Safe and un- 
touchetl by hostile hands the tree still flourishes, and }'et 
unbroken is the wall that protefts us, and shall our fath- 
ers' sons be permitted to break down the walls of safe- 
ty, and put forth a sacrilegious hand to the tree, pluck 
its foliage and lop its branches, till it stands a lifeless 
trunk, shorn of its leafy honors, a monument of our folly 
and degeneracy } God grant that we may never be call- 
ed to meet our brothers in mortal combat — but, rather 
than see the tree stripped of a single leaf, or one stone 
placed for its prote6lion removed, here let us vow, here 
on this altar consecrated by the blood of martyrs— and 
with their bleached bones at our feet, while their pleased 
spirits are hovering above us ready to carry the grateful 
vow to Heaven's registry — here let us swear to offer up 
our fortunes and our lives a willing sacrifice for its de- 
fense. — for, " a day — an hour of virtuous liberty is worth 
a whole eternity of bondage." 



THE MONUMENT. 33 I 

If this speech had been made in the beginning of the 
)'ear 1861, it could not have been more applicable to the 
time and (juestions then agitating the minds of the Amer- 
ican people. P)Ut to those who can remember the " NuU- 
ific<ition" tla\-s of 1832-3 the sentiment herein dwelt upon 
will n(tt be regarded as in any wise prophetic or out of 
place. 

It was considered b\- many of our people, that as Con- 
necticut was the mother of old W)'oming. and as this 
was as an integral })art of her territory up to the time 
of the Decree of Trenton, and the forces raised here for 
the revolutionar)- war were credited to Connecticut, it 
woukl not be asking too much to in\ite a contribution 
from the State of Conne6licut to help complete the mon- 
imicnt now at a stand still for want of funds to continue 
the work. According!)^ in 1839 a committee consisting 
of Gen. \Vm. Ross, Hezekiah Parsons and Charles Miner, 
all nati\"es of that State, repaire.l to Hartford, where the 
Legislature was in session, and asked for an appropria- 
tion of $3,000 to complete the monument. Their cause 
was warmly espoused, and the petition presented by Hon. 
Lafayette S. I'"oster, and a joint committee of the Senate 
ant! the House appointed to consider the cpiestion. The 
Hon. Isaac Touc\' lent the great weight of his influence 
in its favor, and a unanimous re])ort was made granting 
the pra\'er of the i)etitioners ; but it failed to receive the 
san(5tion of a majority of the members, and therefore' was 
lost. 

In 1841 a new memorial was presented ; accompanied 
b\' a ]Xiper setting forth the reasons wh)' Connefticut 
ought in justice to contribute to the fund. The resolu- 
tion passed the lower House almost unanimouslx' but fail- 
ed in the Senate. Still another effort was made in the 
foIlowM'ng \-ear, with no better result, and no mone\' was 
ever received from Conne6licut, except the sum of $5, 
contributed by Era.stus Ellsworth of Windsor, 



332 History of 

The following brief and \ery interesting history of the 
building of the monument, and the incidents connefted 
therewith, from the pen of Payne Pettebone, ICsq., of Wy- 
cMiiing, explains itself and we shall offer no further com- 
nient. We will only state, as a matter of fact, that Mr, 
Pettebone was born, and has lived all his life on the 
ground near the monument, and perhaps has a clearer 
and more certain knowledge of everything pertaining to 
its building and early history than any other person now 
living, 

Wyoming, Nov. 8th 1881. 
IVc'shy jfohnsoii, Esq., Wilkcsbarrc. 
Dear Sir : 
Your favor of the 30th September, rec[uesting 
some fa6ls relating to the history of the Wyoming 
monument for use in preparing a chapter on the subje6l 
tor the Centennial Book soon to be published under the 
auspices of the Centennial Association of 1878, was duly 
received, I have delayed a reply to suit my conven- 
ience because you informed me that there was no hurry 
about it. 

Early in the year 1832 considerable interest was 
awakened on the subject of suitably marking the place of 
burial of the slain in the massacre of Jul\- 3d 1778, and 
some prospecting for the spot was had without success, 
because it was in the midst of a field which had been 
plowed over for man}' \'ears, and the mound, if any had 
ever existed, was entirely obliterated. Some rivalry was 
gotten up between two political clubs in VVilkesbarre rep- 
resenting the two faftionsof the Democratic party : The 
" Hickory Club" at the head of which was Gen. William 
Ross, and the "Democratic Hickory Club" whose leader 
u-as Andrew Beaumont. William Swctland. who was a 
member of the latter club, undertook at the suggestion 
of his fellows to find the bones. He made a contract with 
Philip Jackson, then of l-'orty Fort, a former resident on 
aI^d owner of the fiirm. to pay him $20, if he succeeded 



THE MONUMENT. 333 

ill discovering^" the place of interment and findin^j the 
bones. Mr. Jackson prepared an iron rod, about six feet 
in length, barbed at the point intended for probing the 
earth, as he knew very nearly, but not e.xa6lly where the 
grav^e was located, and on the 22d of May, ICS32, on his 
way to the field to make search, stopped at the store of 
Mr. Swetland where I was at the time employed as clerk, 
exhibited his implement and explained his intended mode 
of operation. Af"ter an absence ot about two hours from 
the store, he returned and reported his success in finding 
the bones, and secured the reward offered for their find- 
ing, to the mutual gratification of all concerned. The 
club was much elated over the success of Mr. Jackson, 
and the result was announced in the Republican Fanner^ 
May 23d 1832. 

On the 3d of July 1832, there was a large public gath- 
ering of citizens on the ground and speeches were made 
by Rev. James May, a distinguished Divine of the Epis- 
copal Church and the Rev. Nicholas Murray, a Presbyte- 
rian, who afterwards became famous as " Kirwan," the 
iioj/i dc plume he assumed in hiscelebrated religious dis- 
cussion with Archbishop Hughes. The grave being 
opened, the bones were expcsed before the speakers and 
the people assembled. A subscription was then opened 
for building a monument, and a committee appointed con- 
sisting of Gen. Wm. Ross, Fisher Gay, Erastus Hill, 
Charles D. Shoemaker and Col. John L. Butler, for the 
purpose of forwarding the undertaking. In December 
1832, Col. Hill, who resided here on the ground, and hav- 
ing a6live charge commenced the work of quarrying on 
our western mountains, and delivering the stone for the 
foundation and vault. 

In the Spring of 1833, the bones of eighty three skele- 
tons, were removed from the common grave, and being 
placed in three large dry goods boxes, were kept in the 
back office of Mr. Swetland's store, adjoining my sleep- 
ing room, where I lodged with them until they were de- 
posited in the monument vault, December 5th 1833* 



334 iiisroRV OF 

Sonic of the most mutilated and interesting^ specimens of 
the skeletons having marks of the tomahawk, scalping- 
knife or bullet holes in and on them, were reserxed, as in- 
tended to be placed in a suitable case in the chamber of 
the monument for exhibition to visitors to this shrine in 
after years. As to marks of violence, my recollection is. 
that there were very few, if an}' skulls which had not plain 
marks of the scalping knife, and man\- had cuts made b\' 
Hacks of the tomahawk which indicated the clean cut 
made by a sharp instrument. On the 3d of Jul}- 1H33. the 
corner stone of the monument was laid in the presence 
of a large assemblage of people. The [principle address 
on this occasion was delivered by Hon. Chester Butler. 
Mangan & Blanchard were contractors for the cut stone, 
and they commenced work about the ist of June 1833, 
and quit about the last of June 1834; the monument be- 
ing raised at that time to a height of about twent}' feet — 
a considerable quantit}' of stone cut, or •)artl}' cut being 
left scattered about the grounds. The stone used were 
brought from what has since been known a-^ the "Monu- 
ment Quarry" near Doty's place on the h^ast side of the 
Susquehanna, a distance of about three miles, and brought 
ox'er at Miller's Ferry. 

The monument and grounds remained in an unhnished 
and neglefted condition until work was resunud by Col. 
Morehead. contraftor under the auspices of the "Ladies 
Monumental Association" in 1842. Some time in or prior 
to October 1843 the work was finished and the cap-stone 
fixed securel}' in its appropriate place. 

During the interval between the suspension of work in 
1834, and the resumption by Col. Morehead in 1842, the 
Ladies of Wilkesbarre and Kingston, organized the "La- 
dies' Monumental Association," and considerable money 
was raised for the completion of the work, and in aid of 
the fund the Ladies of Kingston, Wyoming, and Kxeter. 
on the 24th of June 1841 , furnished a dinner on the 
grounds to a large company, and realized the sum of 



TMK MONUMENT. 335 

$34349, which w'.is phiccd in the hands of Mrs. Charles 
I). Shoemaker to be added to the fund. I have a Hst of 
the names of all persons partaking of this dinner or pa)- 
ing" for tickets as taken at the table, and copied by me in 
a small pass-book. To me it is a very interesting docu- 
ment, as a record of the prominent and active people in 
the \^dle\' foi'ty )ears ago, as well as a memento of the 
difficulties to be encountered in providing' means for com- 
pleting a AV(^rk in which we all feel a pardonable, if not 
commendable pride. 

After finishing the stone work of the monument, the 
grounds were still without a proper fence or enclosure, 
and appeared in a neglefted and confused condition, with 
spalled fragments of rough and broken rock scattered 
about over the adjoining grounds, just as they had fallen 
under the heav\' blows of the workmen's hands ; and the 
openings into the internal chamber were left without doors 
or other prote6lion to guard the interior of the monument. 

This neglefted condition of the monument and grounds 
called (Hit some just criticism from the press and other- 
wise, and on the occasion of the visit of Governor Shunk 
in 1846, a dinner was provided at the monument which 
realized the sum of $206, which amount was paid over to 
the Ladies' Association for the work of enclosing and 
adorning the grounds, but the funds in hand not being 
judged sufficient to complete the work, nothing was done 
by wa)' of imi)rovement at that times 

At this dinner Nathan Beach presided. The Hon. Rob- 
ert T. Conrad of Philadelphia had been invited to deliver 
the formal address, but was prevented by business en- 
gagements from attending to that duty, though he atten- 
ded and took a less important part in the proceedings. 
Dr. Thomas W. Miner was assigned at a late day to fill 
his place, and acquitted himself in a highly satisfa6lory 
manner, delighting the large audience of more than four 
thousand with a chaste and eloquent address, it being one 
of the best efforts of his life. 



336 HISTORY OF 

In February 1848 Mr. Fisher Gay made a public appeal 
on the subject, complaining of inconveniences and annoy- 
ances suffered by him, (he being then the owner of the 
monument farm,) in consequence of the exposure of his 
crops by leaving the ground thus unfenced — Reminded 
the people, that in his proposition to give the lot it was to 
be fenced in one year, and now fifteen years had elapsed 
and still no fence, and nothing had been done to fulfill the 
engagement. This appeal resulted in a temporary 
awakening and some scolding, but accomplished nothing. 

Some years later, an act of Assembly v.as passed, in- 
corporating the "Wyoming Monumental Association," 
after which the Ladies made an effort to plant the 
grounds with trees and shrubbery, but this effort was only 
partially successful, the ground being unprepared and 
unenclosed, and I think none of this planting now remains 
alive. 

Thus matters remained until the }ear 1864. when at a 
meeting of the Historical and Geological Societ\-, I called 
attention to the condition of the monument and its sur- 
roundings, and suggested the propriety of the improve- 
ment being undertaken under the auspices of the society. 
On motion of Andrew T. McClintock Esq., a committee 
consisting of Payne Pettebone. Gen. Wm. S. Ross and 
Col. Charles Dorrance was appointed "to collect funds 
to defray the expense of finishing the Wyoming Monu- 
ment, enclose and improve the grounds of the same." A 
subscription book was procured on the spot, and the head- 
ing drawn up by Calvin Wadhams Esq., Secretary of the 
Society, and resulted in raising the sum of $985.65. which 
included the sum of $268,66 previously deposited with 
the Ladies' Association. 

On account of lack of funds for an iron fence it was de- 
cided to build a wooden one, and in March 1864, I went 
to Dauphin, and finally to York County where I found at 
Mt. Wolfe, a thrifty growth of yellow locust which had 
just been cut and split, which I purchased and shipped 



THE MONUMENT. 337 

b\' Rail Road to be used as posts in making the fence. 
While in Dauphin Count)', I will remark by way of paren- 
thesis, I was shown by a gentleman a fence built by his 
father over si.Kty _\'ears ago, with \-ellow Locust posts, 
still standing, ap_parentl\- as sound as on the da)^ it was 
erefted. 

The trees and shrubbery at present growing there were 
purchased of Parsons & Co., of Flushing Long Island, 
were i)lanted earl\' in May 1864, the grounds having been 
previousl}' graded and prepared by hauling thereon good 
soil for planting trees where the natural thin and sandy 
soil had become barren and denuded by the workmen 
about the monument. As a favorable result of this care- 
ful system of planting, scarcely any of the trees failed, 
and generally give evidence of a healthy and thrifty 
growth. The fence was built in August and Septeniber 
1864, and the painting completed in Oclober of the same 
year. 

TITLE TO THE T,OT. 

As some apprehension has been expressed in reference 
to the title to the monument lot, I desire to set at rest 
any fears that may exist on that subject, by giving a 
chain of title, as it appears on record. As I have before 
stated, Fisher Gay Esq.. was the owner of the land on 
which the monument is ere6leLl. Originally there was a 
voluntary gift by him to the Monumental Committee, of 
half an ace of land on which to build the monument but 
no contract is known to be in existence. This agreement 
has been recognized and confirmed by Mr. Gay's success- 
ors. The original contra6l being lost or mislaid, if an}- 
was ever executed, the Committee on fencing and im- 
proving the grounds, prociu-ed, on the 30th of .Vpril "1864, 
a deed for half an acre as enclosed, described by metes 
and bounds, to the Wyoming Monumental Association, 
a body corporate under the laws of this Commonwealth. 
So that no further question as to title need be raised. 
Respe6lfull}- Vours, &c., 

Payne Pettebone. 



33^^' 



n I STORY or 



A brief of titic to the W\-omiiv^ monument c^roiinls; r 

Deed 23rd April [S5'3. Fisher Giy to Payne Potte- 
bone ; Recorded in Deed Book 65, pi^e 303 &:. Ac- 
knowledged 23d April 1 856, Recorded .May 2d 1855. 

In this conveyance is tlic following reservation : "It 
is expressly understood ami agreed, that the said Fisher 
Gay having himself hitherto entered into an agreement, 
to convey t> the Wyoming Moiurment C )mmittee, und^r 
certain conditions the surface right to a lot not exceed- 
ing one half an acre, embracing the land upon which the 
monument is crefted and contiguous thereto for the sole 
purpose of an enclosure for the sii 1 monument, now the 
said lot is conveyed to the said Pettebone, his heirs and 
assigns to be held in the same right by which it is held 
by the said Gay, and to be,subje5l to th.- sime liabilities 
that Gay is responsible for in the said premises.' 

13eed 29th April 1856, Payne Pettebone and wife to 
Moses Willis Woodward, Deed Book 65, page 597. Ac- 
knowledged 29th April 1856. Recorded 2d May 1856. 
S^mc land. "Subject however to the terms of a certain 
agreement heretofore made by Fislier Gay, grantor to 
l^a)uie Pettebone," as recited above. 

Deed 30th April i8b4. Moses W. Woo Iward to the 
Wyoming Monumental Association. Deed Book 94, 
page 599, &c. Acknowledged i6th July 1864. Record- 
ed 27tii July. 

iJescription : — Begins on the main road and runs south- 
easterly ten rods on line parallel to the south west face 
of monument, and ab;>ut 63 feei from the a.xis thereof — ■ 
thence by lines parallel with the sides o{ the monument 
to place of beginning containing one-half an acre of 
land, and stated as being same piece embraced in the 
agreement of hdsher Cia)' and reservation of Payne Pette- 
bone. 

By the foregoing it will be seen that the surface title- 
lo the ground on which the monument stands is perfeft- 
ly good and sufficient ; the only fear being that the 
Company owning the coal deep down in the earth 



TIIK MONUMENT. 339 

m;iy at some future d.iy, an 1 not very far in the future 
either, un lerniine the monument in such a \va\' as to en- 
dan^jer its sifety aad stabiHty in the event of a cave-in of 
the workiiii^ below. 

The monument is a plain obeHsk in the dark tji'ay stone 
of the valley cut on t!ie face an 1 laid in blocks of from 
tu-elve to fifteen inches in thickness, and of convenient 
lent;th.s. 

It is in heii^ht sixty two feel six inches from the surface 
of the t^round, rectan;_;'ular in form and of proper propor- 
tions to render it jn-aceful an 1 of architectural propriety, 
with four equal sides. The Ijase rises three steps from 
the foundation, in which is a chamber containin;^ the 
bones of the victims, so far as the bodies were recovered. 
Resting" on the base is a square die with a tablet of mar- 
ble let into each face. The one on the north-west con- 
tains the following' appropriate inscription by EdwarJ C- 
Mailer}', great grand son of Colonel Butler : 

Near this spot was foui^ht 

On the aflonioon of Friday, the tliird day of 

July, 1778, 

THJE battlt: 01<' U'TOMING, 

In which a small band of patriotic Americans, 

riiieflythe undisciplined, the youthful and the aged, 

Spared by inefficiency from the distant ranks of the Republic, 

Led by Col. Zebulon IJutler and Col. Nathan Denison, 

With a coura;j;e that deserved success, 

Boldly met and bravely fought 

A combined British, Tory and Indian force 

of thrice their number. 

Numerical superiority alone gave success to the invader, 

And wide sjiread havoc, desolation and ruin 

Marked his sava;:;c and bloody fo:)tstep.s tlirough the Valley. 

THIS MONUMENT, 

Commemorative of these events, 

and of the actor.s in them 

has been erected 

ovEjt Tiii:iiONi:s of the slain, 

By their descendants and oihers, who gratefully 
appreciated 
the services and sacrifices of their patriot 
ancestors. 



340 



HlSTORV OK 



Those on the south-west and north-east sides contain 
fhc names of tlie slain so far as was known at the time 
of the building; a few names have since been added to 
the list which is now as follows : 

DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI. 
SLAIN IN BATTLE. 



'Lt. Col. George Dorrance, 

James Bidlack, jr., 
Aholiab Buck, 
Robert Durkee, 



A. Atherton, 
Aaron Gaylord, 
Perrin Ross, 
Lazarus Stewart, jr, 

Jeremiah Bigford, 
Silas Gore, 



Jabez Atlierton, 
Christopher Avery, 
Ackke, 

A. Benedict, 
Jabez Beers, 
Samuel Bigford, 
David Bixby, 
Elias Bi.Kby, 
John Boyd, 
John Brown, 
Thomas Brown, 
William Buck, 
Joseph Budd, 
Amos Bullock, 
Asa Bullock, 
Henry Bush, 
Eson Brock way, 
John Caldwell, 



I-IELD OFinCKKS, 

Major Jonathan Waite Garrett, 

CAPT.VINS, 

Rezin Geer, Samuel Ransom, 

Dethick Hewitt, Lazarus Stewart, 

\Vm. McKarrachen, James Wigdon, 

Asaph Whittlesey. 

LIEUTENANTS, 

Flavins Waterman, Elijah Shoemaker, 
Stoddart Bowen, Asa Stevens, 

Timothy Peirce, James Wells, 



ENSIGNS, 

Jonathan C)tis, 
Asa Gore, 

I'RIVATES, 

D. Denton, 
Anderson Dana, 
Conrad Davenport, 
George Downing, 
James Devine, 
Levi Dunn, 
William Dunn, 
Ducher, 

Benjamin Finch, 
Daniel Finch, 
John Finch, 
Elisha Fish, 
Cornelius Fitche'.t, 
Eliphalet Follett, 
Thomas Faxon, 
John Franklin, 
Stephen Iniller, 
Tliomas Fuller, 



Titus Ilinman, 
William White. 



Joshua Landon, 
Daniel Lawrence, 
William Lawrence, 
Francis Ledyard, 
James I^ock, 
Conrad Lowe, 
Jacob Lowe, 
William Lester, 

C. McCartee, 
Nicholas Manville, 
Nero Matthewson, 
Alexander McMillan, 
Jol) Marshall, 
Andrew Millard, 
John Murphy, 
Robert Mdntire, 

Joseph Ogden, 



THE MONUMENT. 



54» 



Josinh Carman, 
J ns'"]-)h Cary, 
Joel Church, 
William Cofferin, 
James Cofferin, 
Samuel Cole, 
Isaac Campbell, 
Campbell, 
Robert Comstock, 
Kingsley Comstock, 

( Cook> 
Brothers J Cook, 

( Cook, 
Christopher Courtright, 
John Courtright, 
Anson Corey, 
Jenks Corey, 
Rufus Corey, 
Joseph Ci'ockei", 
Samuel Crocker, 

Jabez Darling, 

Darius Spofford, 
James Spencer, 
Joseph Staples, 
Reuben Staples, 
Rufus Stevens, 
James Stevenson, 
Nailer Sweed, 

Gamaliel Truesdale, 
Ichabod Tuttle, 
Abram Vangorder, 

Lieut. Boyd, 



George Goie, 

Gardner, 
Green, 

Benjamin Hatch, 
VViliam Hammon, 
Silas Harvey, 
Samuel Hutchinson, 
Cyprian Hebnrd, 
Levi Hicks, 
John Hutchins, 
James Flopkins, 
Nathaniel Howard, 
Zipporah Ilibbard, 
Elijah Inman, 
Israel Inman, 



Samuel Jackson, 
Robert Jameson, 
Joseph Jennings, 
Henry Johnson, 

John Van Wie, 

Elihu Watei-s, 
Jonathan Weeks, 
Bartholomew Weeks, 
Philip Weeks, 
"Peter Wheeler, 
Stephen Whiten, 
Eben Wilcox, 
Elihu Williams, jr., 
Rufus Williams, 



Abel Palmer, 
Silas Parke, 
William Parker, 
John Pierce, 
Henry Pencil, 
Noah Pettelione, 



J'"- 



Jeremiah Ross, jr., 
Elisha Richards, 
William Reynolds, 
Elias Roberts, 
Timothy Rose, 

Abram Shaw, 
James Shaw, 
Joseph Shaw, 
Constant Searle, 
Al)cl Secly, 
Levi Spencer, 
Eleazer Spragiie, 
Aaron Stark, 
Daniel Stark, 
Josiah S]>cncer, 
Eson Wilcox, 
John Williams, 
Johii Ward, 
John Wilson, 
Parker Wilson, 
William Woodring, 
Aziba Williams, 
Wade, 
Ozias Yale, 



(Sersliom Prmce, colored, 
killed at Eorty Fort after the Battle. 



On the south-east side over the door leading to the 
vault is a slab containing a Hst of the survivors as follows : 

COLONELS, 

Zebulon Butler, Nathan Denison. 

LIEUTENANTS, 

Daniel Gore, Timothy Howe. 

ENSIGNS, 

Daniel Downing, Matthias Hollenback. 



342 



HISTORY OF 



JaSc/. Fisli, 

Jo'i 1 V'-'-^'f. 
(jiilcou Baldwin, 
Zcra Beach, 
Rufiis IJeniiett, 
Salomon Bennett, 
Elislia lUackman, 

N.uha 1 Carey, 
Samuel Carey, 
George Cooper, 

Joseph 'J'.Uiott, 

Samuel I'inch, 
Roswell t'.a iKJin, 
H i^ii Forsman, 



John Gardner, 
Daniel Carr, 
Samuel Carey. 

Wtllian Crooks, 
Minjr %. i i > a-;, 
Bjnjamin Hi;\!in'. 



SF.KGEANT, 

I'hineas Spafford, 

PRIVATES, 

Thomas Fuller, 
Joh 1 CTr-rvetf, 
Samuel Gore, 
Lemuel Gustm, 
James Green, 

L-c;bl)eus Hammond, 
Jacolj Ilaldron, 
Elisha Harris, 
F^benezer Heberd ; 
William Fleberd, 

Richard Inman, 
David Inman, 



Gates. 

Jose; h iMorse, 
ThoMias Neill, 

Josiah Pell, 
Phineas Peirce, 
Abraham Pike, 

John N. Skinne;-, 
Giles Slocum, 
Walter Spencer, 
Edward Spencer, 
Amos Stafford, 
Roger Searle, 



Cherrick. We ;ibrook, 
Eleazer West, 
Daniel Washburn. 



John Jamison, 
Henry Lickers, 
pr:so.\krs taken from Wyoming, 

• Daniel Wallen, Elisha Wi!coX, 

Daniel Rosencrans, Pierce. 

KILLED ON .A.PPROACII TO WYOMING, 

Suikeley Hartling, Wm. .Martin, 

James Hadsall, Quocko, [colored.] 

James Hadsall, jr. 



Abov^e the die is a j^roiectinf^ cornice of some two 
feet in thickness, the whole supporting the obeh'sk proper 
wliicli tapers upwards, terminating in one soHd cap-stone 
in the form of a flattened pyramid at the ape.x. 

The entire cost of the monument, includinf^" s^irubber- 
ry and fencing the lot has been something over eight 
thousand dollars. 



A IIITIIFRTO UNPUBLISFIED ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE. 

The following affidavit ma\' have no particular effect in 
sliedding new light on the events of the battle and its 
attendant horrors and is introduced here merelv as con- 



THE MONUMENT. 343 

ni-mini,^ the history we ah'eady have on that subjea ; and 
being- thus solemnly sworn to so soon after thebai.lc 
ma>- be regarded as truthful and reliable. The origir.al 
affidavit is now (1878) in the possession of Dr. Charles G. 
McChesney, of Trenton N. J., and has never heretofore 
been given in any of the histories of Wyoming. It was 
discovered l)y the committee on historical matters con- 
ne(5led with this Association, and is now first given to the 
public :— 

"Wallpack. Sussex <^ounty [ 
Julv 8th. 1778. i 

Personally appeared before me, Timothy Sxmmes, one 
of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for this 
county, one Jeames Green, one of the inhabitants of 
Wyoming, who being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of 
Allmighty God, "deposeth and saith that he was one of 
(persons) destined to defend a fort in Kingston, and that 
the enemies commanded b>' Col. Butler and one PLnglisli 
Lieut. Col., and the King Owago an Indian commander, 
with part of six tribes of Indians, 8co, who fought well 
without taking to trees, but lay flat on their bellies to fire 
and load. Said Green sa\'s that these men to the amount 
of twelve hundred as he heard, came within three or 
four miles of the fort he was in, on P^'rida}- the 3d da\- of 
this instant; on the morning of which day the enemies 
sent in a flag to Col. Uenison to demand the fort, with 
offer of good quarters upon their surrender, and threat- 
ening men women and children with emediate death if 
one gun was fired against them. He sa}-s he thinks no 
answer was returned by this flag. About two or three 
hours after, the same flag came in again. He says he 
knew the man well. He was one Daniel Engerson [In- 
gersoll] who they took prisoner at the first fort. He 
brought much the same proposals as he brought before, 
which were still rejecled. To a challenge they sent in 
to our people to fight Col. Butler, Dennes [Denison] and 
Durrencc [Dorrance] with all the men they had which 
ware 3 or 4 hundred, marched to the place appointed at 



344 HISTORY OF 

the appointed time, and not findinc^ the enemies tiiere, 
tliey waited about one hour, and then marched up the 
river until they met the enem\'. when a battle began on 
the right wing, which extended to the left in about one 
minute and continued very smart on both sides; but our . 
people were partly surrounded on the left wing in the 
space of ten minutes, when the left wing of our people 
fled to the amount of about 20 men ; the others of our 
p'eople fought about one hour when they were surround- 
ed by superior numbers, and some killed and some drove 
into the river, where many perished. Some got to an Is- 
land in the river where they found Indians plenty to mur- 
der them. He says he has seen one Bill Hammon who 
was taken on the Island with 6 or 7 more vvho were made 
toset down, when the Indians tomahawked them one af- 
ter another, but before it came to his turn, he said he 
jumpt up and run and made his escape by swimming to 
the lower end of the Island. 

S'd Green says that the night after the Battle he .saw 
the fires and heard the noise of a Grand Cantacoy (''') 
amongst the Indians, who he. said Green judges were 
burning their prisoners ali\'e ; he sa}'s it was the judge- 
ment of others besides himself ; for the flag bearer wlio 
was the next day in the fort told them that he did not 
know that there was a prisoner alive among them ; and 
that he had seen an hundred and ninety four scalps in one 
heape. He further says that the fort was surrendered or 
evacuated the next day after the Battle when the people 
fled towards the Dellaware River, and in the night sent 
back George Cooper and Jeames Stiles, who went to the 
top of the mountain and saw the houses from the lower 
end of Wyoming about haff ways to the upper end, all 
in flames, and it was supposed they meant to burn the 
whole settlement. 

Sivorii before me) t x ^Tt7c• /^m-ir v " 

I nnothy Symuies. ) 

(') Note.— I do not find the word "Cantacoy" in Webster's Dictionary, lait 
it is a good Yankee word, meaning a jolly time, boisterous merry making by 
several persons assembled. — Spelling in atlidavit same as original.- (Ei)iroii.) 



ADDENDUM. 



THE PIONEER PREACHER 




<;,i- 



EW OF the pioneers who stood fore- 
most in the more stirring events of 
our valley have lacked able historians to 
record their deeds, either of valor or 
ability to govern men and guide the 
state in' times when leading spirits were 
nee'Ted.^^There is, however one profession that ha? never 
received suitable recognition at the hands of our local 
historians, and one man whose humble and retiring life 
incidents, have with few exceptions, ever been thought 
worthy of mention. In order to do justice to an honor- 
ed profession, and to one who gave a quarter of a century 
of his life to the task of promoting the spiritual welfare 
of this people ; one by whose sanftion the marriage 
feasts of our ancestors were solemnized ; and he who stood 
by the open graves of the, perhaps rude forefathers of 
the hamlet, as their remains were lowered to their last 
sleep, and by his presence and words of consolation com- 
forted the mourners in their desolated homes, the fol- 
lowing sketch in the nature of a romance, but true in all 
its essential details, has been prepared. 



n. 

The )ear of our Lord 1722 was 'l\inj^ in the niL^ht, 
The storm that swept the New Knyhmd coast \v;is ciri\'- 
ing fiercely over its rugged hills and sparsely culti\'atecl 
valleys — a Connecticut mother \\ilha tall, dark-l:aiied 
bo\' of ten by her side was kneeling in prayer at iht; 
family altar, as the clocks in the little town of (iroton 
chimed forth the close of the old and beginning of a new 
year. She was a pious mother, ami as the storm howled 
without, and the drifting snow crept higher and highei' 
up the small window panes of her humble cottage, she 
realized more than ever before, her dependence on the 
goodness of that Heavenly Father she had alread\- \'0w- 
ed to love and serve ; and the great question arose in 
her mind, what can I, even I do in return for His man\' 
mercies shown me and my house ? and there, up >n bend- 
ed knees, while clasping the dearest treasure she possess- 
ed on earth to her bosom, she invoked the blessing of 
Almighty God upon that bo\\ and like the pious Hannah 
of old, vowed to dedicate him wholly to the service of the 
Lord. Time went on ; the gentle boy became a conuly 
youth, honoring the pious teachings of that mother, and 
fitting himself by study and deportment for the high and 
holy calling he willingly espoused, and was desti<ned to 
honor by his learning and his piety. Yale College received 
him as a Worthy fellow ; the exemplary youth became a 
zealous student standing high in his class, and when he 
stood up before the assembled citizens to pronounce the 
graduating address, and to receive the honorable title of 
his Baccalaureate Degree, and the congratulations of the 
Faculty, that mother's heart glowed with honest and 
commendable pride, for the tall, dark intelleclual young 
man was bearing his honors meekly as became a neo- 
phyte of the holy office in which he was destined to a 
life service ; her mission was fulfilled ; her one great ob- 
je6l in life attained. There were no Bishops to lay hands 
on his head ; there were no synods to endow with supe- 
rior grace the candidates for holy orders in the Congre-^ 



III. 



Rational Church of New England, where eacli was aii in- 
dcp'jndcnt unit. Soon he became the pastor of the little 
clr.irrh at \orth Groton, now Wallingford, and proclaim- 
ed tlie gospel tidings with all iiis youthful ardor ; but the 
you!ig preacher's zeal and learning did not avail to win a 
ric'i harvest of souls to God ; perhaps he was discoura- 
ged in tl'.e lack of appreciation by those quiet country 
folk, an i h;>liinge:l for a more extended walk and field 
of labor in the service of religion and of Jesus of Naza- 
reth his acknowledged Lord and Master. 

He became acquainted with and learned to love and 
respecl the pious Sampson Occum. a christianized Indian 
of the tribe of Metacomet. and s\-mpathized with him in 
hii efforts to elevate his race by making of them a civili- 
ze. 1 and a christianized people by means of gospel in- 
stru61ion. His was the spirit of Lox'ola. and he knew no 
rest until he had entered the Great Wilderness, then the 
home of the powerful Iroc[uois, and proclaimed the truths 
of tlie Gospel of peace and love to the red man in his for- 
est home. There was certainl}- danger, there might be 
death by torture reserved for him, but there he must go. 
At Canajoharie, at Fort Stanwix, at Oneida Castle, and 
prrhaps at other frontier stations we find him laboring in j 
the cause of his Master. He had secured the prote6lion I 
of SiiL^JWiUiam- Johnson, and gained the confidence of 
Brandt. He had learned the language of the Mohawks, 
anJ other Indian dialefts, and could proclaim Him to 
these people in the language of the forest, and where 
they fmcied the angr\- presence of the Great Spirit in the 
rnsh.irig winds of the tornado, the thunder's roar or the 
lightning's fatal stroke, he could tell them of the mercy of 
the Christian's God, pciut to the crucified Savior, and 
exhort them to turn from their savage rites and trust to 
the all healing blood of Jesus, shed upon the cross as a 
redem[)tion for all nations and races of men. 

Again we hear of him as the pioneer preacher of the 
Gospel under the proteftion of the Susquehanna Land 



]V. 

Company, invited to the far off Westmoreland Coloiiw 
lliat little Republic in the Wilderness, b)' "the ri\'er of the 
winding shore," about to pass throus^h storm-; of war, and 
its fair plains to be drenched with paternal and fratrici- 
dal blood. Here he labored for \-ears, preaching to the 
whites as well as to the Indian.s in their own tongue ; 
sharing the hardships of frontier life in cominon with 
other settlers, but seeking not earthlx* possessions, he de- 
sired rather to possess the confidence and esteem of his 
neighbors than the rich lands of the valley. 

From earh' life he claimed to possess the gift of proph- 
esy and to some extent, th;<it of seer. He became somewiiat 
eccentric in his habits in the latter }-errs of his life and 
seemed desirous of imitating him who was "the voice 
of one crx'ing in the wilderness, prepare xe the way of 
the Lord," and confident!)' looked for the second coming 
of the Sa\'ior, and like him. he wore a girdle about his 
loins, antl if i[is mea; was not "locusts and wild hone\'," it 
was at least exceeding frugal. He was remarkabl\' con- 
fiding and child-lils'e in his iutercouse with men ; guile- 
less himself he did not .suspect the presence of it in ot!i- 
ers, and was a great favorite with \oung people. 

" l^'en children followed witii endearin;^ wile, 

:\n(I plucked I he i^'ood man's ^^own to .share his smile." 

In extem])oraneous pulpit orator\' he did not excel, but 
in i)ra\er he threw his whole soul into the effort, forget- 
ting surrounding dbjects, while with rapt \ et simple ut- 
terances, he seemed communing with Deit_\' himself, in 
pleading for the Hea\ enl\' lavor to rest upon his people ; 
he was then truly and lei-vent]\- elociuent. Many of his 
sermons were written in poetic measure of no small liter- 
ai"y merit ; some c)l which in exceedingl)' ne.it and ac- 
curate chirograph}', the w:iter hereof has seen, hut it is 
not known that any work of his hands now e.xisls The 
people called him " Priest," a title thev did not accord to 
the inferior clerLTx-, 



At length the tocsin of war sounded the ahu-m through- 
out tlie valle\', for now the British and Indians 'under 
Butler and Brandt were pouring down through tlic north- 
ern gap and spreading terror and dismay in the plain be- 
low. He with other non-combatants sought shelter in 
the litte stockade at Forty Fort. To his care and ronr-- 
sel was confided the terror stricken women and children 
gathered within its frail enclosure. He saw the gallant 
three hundred march to glorious death on that fatal Jul)' 
alteinoon, and wept with those who, with outstretrlied 
arms received and clasped the few survivors to their bo- 
soms when all save honor was lost ; and when the terms 
of capitulation to the triumphant Briton were agreed upon, 
it was his hand that put them in form to receive the sig- 
natures of the high contracting parties. 

In the fullness of time the infirmities of age crept on 
him ; his stooping form and failing strength admonish 
him that he is ncaring the end of his carthi\- pilgrimage, 
and now a \ision came upon him in the night time, in- 
forming him that he A\as about to die, and so certain was 
he of the truthfulness of the heavenly messenger, that 
he informed his family next morning of the approachin"- 
change with the same calmness ;ind deliberation as 
though he was onl\- making preparations for a short journ- 
e)' ; and as an earnest of his belief in the certainty of 
the event, having procured a mattock and spade, with 
heav\' steps and slow, he climbed the steep ascent of the 
" redout" and passed up the ridge in the direc^tion of 
what is now known as Westfield"s Hill. It was in the 
early spring of 1797 ; snow lay in patclies along the 
northern exposure; to the southwaid the warm sunshine 
had quickened the early spring flowers, and the plants 
began to put forth tiny shoots of gree.n ; the scattered 
leaves la}' dead in the little hollows, or. stranded in hazel 
thickets, they rustled to the tread of the timid rabbit in 
his flight ; blue-birds were flitting here and there, and the 
robin was making a frugal meal from the scarlet cones of 



VI, 

the sumacs on the declivity. A little glade or plateau on 
the ridge is reached ; it is a beautiful spot, just over his 
family burying place ; the old man stopped to admire, as 
he had never done before in his accustomed rambles along 
the ridge ; looking to the east and communing with his 
innermost consciousness, his mind took shap^ in thoug'.u, 
if n )t in words, by reflefling that, "here will th^" e irliest 
beams of the morning, as they slant down into the val- 
IcN', caress these slopes" and raising his hands in rapt ad- 
miration of the beauty of the western prospect, "her^ 
will parting day linger on this spot, while dark shadows 
fcdl athwartths intervales on either hand, and here will I 
be buried." He struck his mattock into the soft yellow 
earth, and finding the soil all he desired, he [)ro- 
ceeded to mark out the length and breadth of a grave in 
due form ; he continued at his task for some hours, but 
his feeble health would not admit of protra6led l.djor, and 
it required some da_\ s to complete the task ; at length he 
had shaped the narrow house appointed for all the living, 
on the da\- preceding the one on which he had t'oretoKl his 
eni.\. Returning from his unusual task, he informed his 
A'oungest son of what he had done, and gave some tlirec- 
tions for the funeral in a cheerful and unconcerned man- 
ner, and retired to his chamber for rest; but ere the morning 
sun shone in at his window, the angel of death had pass- 
ed by that peaceful cottage and breathed in the face of 
the good old man as he slept, and there was mourning 
in the little hamlet. 

The s[:)Ot he had sele6led was on the crest of a sharp 
ridge, on a tra6l of fifteen acres of land that had been 
granted to him by the proprietors of the town, ir. consid- 
eration of his faithful services as Gospel minister ; he had 
conveyed away four acres at the corner of Main and North 
streets, for a few shillings, reserving however, a piece 
four rods wide and five rods long, where his daughters 
were buried, (one of them having been the wife of Col. 
Zebulon Butler,) which he designed and intended should 



remain a place of burial forever for his j'amil\-. ]]v some 
unaccountable negligence, his children never assertetl 
th^ir clai.n to this spot or took any steps towards main- 
ta'ning their right of possession under the reservation 
in the deed of conveyance froin him, which is one of the 
catliest in the records of Luzerne County. He nor his 
heirs, ever parted with the title to that land, and now 
by a sort of poetic justice, this same rescr\'ed bur\ iii'T 
ground of the '"Pioneer Preacher of Wyoming," is the 
identical spot on which the beautiful " Memorial Church" 
is erecled. What more fitting memorial to the first Con- 
gregational preacher in this valley, than this paternal 
tribute to departed children by a liberal citizen of Wilkes- 
barre, should be erecled on the spot consecrated to the 
same pious use by him almost a century before ? And 
while the stony arm of that beautiful edifice continues to 
point to the home of the living God, bearing aloft its 
golden emblem of a Christian's faith, as a memorial of 
them for whom it was erefted — }es when its stones shall 
crumble to dust in the far off future — ma_\- each blade of 
grass on its green slopes as it awakens into life under a 
vernal sun, perpetuate the memory of those other dear 
ones, and the story of the pioneer preacher, Jacob 
JOHNSONv 



ERRATA. 

Page 125. Sixth line from top, for " left" read "right.'' 
Page 147. For "Brown" in second paragraph, read 
" Bowen." 

P.ige 196. Ode to Wyoming. For "Richert," read 
"Richart." 

Page 221. For "E. Ross Snowden," read "E.H. Snow- 
den." 

Page 243. I"or "Persevering genius," read "Persever- 
ing Genoese." 

Page 322. For " prosperity," in fifth line from top, 
read "property." 



INDEX. 



Pai.e. 

Aids, list of, ...-,. 265 

Arrival of Presidential Party, - - 1*^5 

Aged Pei-sons Present, - - - - -^6 

Abbott, Rev. W. P., address, - - - 195 
Addresses : 

Abbott, Rev. \V. P., - - - ■ 199 

Butler, Chester, . . . - . 329 

Craft, David, - - - - . - 31/ 

Chapman, C. I. A., - - - - - 119 

Dana, E. L., - - - - - 123, 289 

Dana, Sylvester, .... - 247 

Devens, Attorney General, . . - 223, 246 
Hayes, President, - - - 1 10, 222, 238, 245 

Hayden, Rev. H. E., - - - - 317 

Jones, Rev. li. L., - - - - - 311 

Jenkins, Steuben, Historical, - - - ■ 139 

May, James, - - - - 3-5 

Murray, N., . . . . 327 

O'Harran, Rev. D.,-and Prayer, - - • ■ 241 

Sherman, Secretary, - - 222, 2j,6 

Wright, Hendrick P., - - - II2 

Battle of Wyoming : 

Editor's account, . . . - . 20 
S. Jenkins' account, - - 139, 176, &c 

Unpublished account, .... 342 

Barrows, Rev. C. Dana, Poem, - - 122 

Cane presented to President Hayes, . - - - ill 

Centennial Year ushered in, - 49 

Celebration, July 4th , 1878, - - 231 

Chapman, C. I. A., Address, - - 119 

Circular, official, ..... 69 

Coppee, Dr. H., Poem, .... 128 

Correspondence, ..... 270 

Committee on Publication, • - - - 310 

Dana, E. L., Address, - - - - 123. 289 

Dana, Sylvester, Address, . . . - . 247 

Decorations of Monument, . . . 60, 228 



, Page. 

Devens, Attorney General, . . - . 222. 246 

Dickinson, Susan E., Poems, .... 127. 304 

Dinner to the Poor, ..... 240 

Distini^uished (nicsts, ..... 225 

Executive Committee, - - - - - 37 

Errata, ...... viii 

Financial : 

" Appropriations, - - - - - 87 

Expenditures, ..... 265 

Flag Presentation, ..... 266 

Forty Fort Meeting, Jan. ist, 1878, - - - 49 

Hayes, President, Letter of Acceptance, - - - 91 
Hayes, President, Addresses, - - - 1 10, 222, 238, 245 

Harding, Jesse, Poem, - - - - - 214 

Harding, Hon. G. M., Conespondence, - - - 270 

Hartrnnft. Gov., Acceptance, .... 271 

Hayden, Rev. H. E., Addres.s, .... 317 

Hoyt, Gov., Address of welcome, .... 107 

" ' " Letter, ..... 305 

Historical Sketch, the Editor, .... 8-26 

Inception of the Commemoration, ... 27 

Incidents and Accidents, ..... 224 

Inscriptions on Monument, .... 339 

Introductory, ------ 9 

Jenkins, Steuben, Addres.s, - - - - 139 

" " (Me, ..... 220 

Johnson, Rev. Jacob, .sketch of - - - - - i 

Johnson, Wesley, Response, .... 296 

Jone.s, Rev. H.L., Address, - - - - -311 

Jottings from the Press, .... 83, 253-261 

Journalists Present, ...... 225 

July 4th, 1878, Celebration, .... 231 

Longfellow, II. W., Letter, ..... 284 

Map of Wyoming in 177S, .... 99 

Memorial Medals, . . . . , .84 

Monument : 

Decorations, ..... 60, 228 

Historical, ...... 324 

In.scription, ..... 339 

Music, . . . . . . .68 

Officers of the Association, .... 38 



XI. 

Page. 

O'Harran, Rev. D., Address, . ■ • • ^g^ ^,_^ *,,, 

Onondaga Indians, • ■ " .36 

Organization of the Association, • • ' ' 

Pettebonc, Fayne, Sketch of Monument, • • ^^_ 3^3^ 

Perpetuating the Organization, • • > • /; - O' .d 

Poems : .122 

Barrows, Rev. C. D., • ' ' " ^_j, 

Coppee, Henry, • • " ' '^ '\ 

. . o T7 • ■ • 12/, jt 4 

Dickmson, Susan h>., • ^ 

Harding, Jesse, .•■•■' ^^^^ 
Jenkins, S., ■ ' ' " ^^^^ 

Richart, Mrs. M. B., • 



95- -53 



Press Items, • ■ " ' 

Publication, Committee on, . • ' ' ^ 

Permanent Organization, Plan of, ■ • • ■ ~)J> 

6c, 263 
Railroad Travel, • • " 

Regatta, ■ • ' ' . ' . 286 

Reunion of 1879, . • ' . 

" " 1880. . • • ■ 

" " 1881, . • ' ■ ■ 

Ricliart, Mrs., Poem, . ■ " ' 



I(;6 



224, 254 

34" 
22.1 



Sanitary Measures, . • ' ' ' 

Slain in the Battle, . ■ • ' 

Snowden, Rev. E. H., benediction, • • • 

Standing Committees, ' ' ' " ' ^ 

Sullivan, [ohn, Sketch of, • • • ■ ^^ 

" 1. u . • 2i;8 

Summmgup Results, . • ■ •> 

Taylor, Bayard, Letter, . ■ ■ ' ^ '^ 

Valley Forge Centennial Association, visit from, . • 267 

Waller, Rev. I). J., I'rayer, . ■ • ■ 1*=^ 

Watres,'Mrs. Ode, . ■ • ' * • "7, S'S 

Welles, Rev. H. H., Prayer, • ' • -^9 

Whittier, Jolm C, Letter, • • • ' ^ * 

Wright. H. B., Address, . . . • 

Wright, C. E., Ode, . • • ' 

Wyoming, the name, . • ' * 

" early settlement. 

Battle and Massacre, . - 20,178-184,342 



112 

39 
10 
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LAST LOOK, 



